Lior Niski

Located in the northwest region of the Negev, bordering the Gaza Strip, the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council is home to about 10,000 residents living in ten kibbutzim, one moshav, and one absorption center. Our 12 vibrant communities include the Kibbutzim Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, Gevim, Miflasim, Or HaNer, Erez, Brur Hail, Nir Am, Dorot, and Ruhama, Moshav Yachni, and the Ibim Olim Village. Over the past decade, Sha'ar HaNegev has experienced significant growth, nearly doubling our population as families from across Israel and the world choose to make their homes here. We are committed to the continued growth and strengthening of our communities in the Northern Negev, ensuring a brighter future for all our residents. Our community is built on the pillars of quality education, economic development, agriculture, innovation, and resilience. We are dedicated to reinforcing and investing in these areas through cutting-edge projects that create new opportunities and foster regional prosperity. Despite ongoing security threats, we provide our community with the necessary resources to promote and sustain resilience. The terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, had a devastating impact on Sha'ar HaNegev. We lost 80 residents, including our beloved mayor, Ofir Libstein. Additionally, 23 residents were kidnapped, with 14 released after nearly two months and seven still in captivity. Eleven of our communities were evacuated, with nine remaining displaced for extended periods. In collaboration with our long-standing partners both in Israel and globally, we strive to achieve our goals for the benefit of the people of Israel and the Jewish community. Together, we continue to build a resilient and thriving Sha'ar HaNegev.