Border communities were the most significant contribution to building the Jewish State of Israel, by physically marking its borders.
During the early years of the State of Israel, driven and idealistic young adults dedicated themselves to live and prosper in remote, at times unsafe regions, to protect Israel’s borders and farm its lands.
Their mission was critical; to combine military service and farming work. In many ways, they were the culmination of Zionism.
Seventy years later, the ‘Hityashvut’ movement faces challenges brought on by progress and resulting in the dire need to adapt to modernity by these communities. Some succeed greatly, yet, some are slowly withering away.
These communities are Kedma’s main focus.
The result of Kedma’s focus and activities is empowering the remote communities, or in other words: “Strengthening Israel’s Borders”.
Student villages
Each of Kedma’s 9 Student Villages consists of 30 students from nearby academic institutes. Every student receives a NIS 10,000 scholarship (~$2,850) with subsidized housing and contributes 300 yearly hours of volunteer work. Through their support in education, welfare, agriculture, community building and more, the Kedma Student Villages have helped revive vital frontier regions and allowed young Israelis to develop their dreams and ambitions; all while connecting them to daily lives in border communities.
Gap Year Program
Kedma's Gap-Year Program takes highly motivated Israeli teens who are looking to make a real impact on Israeli society in the year before they join the IDF. Each of our three groups volunteers in a different region, providing much needed extra-curricular education and agricultural assistance to Israel's frontier communities.
Young communities
Kedma's Young Communities are the next step in bringing new life to Israel's frontiers, taking Kedma alumni and academic graduates who are looking to build their future in Israel's borderlands and providing them with an accessible and affordable route to integrate into frontier communities.
Social Centers
Kedma's Social Centers are the beating heart of every Kedma Student Village community and area of activity, providing a unique venue for entertainment and education where young Israelis can both relax and form new bonds with their communities and their friends.
Yearly increase in join rate
Acres of agricultural land receive support from Kedma volunteers
Kedma alumni choose to remain in frontier regions
Cumulative population growth in Kedma communities since 2014
