About the Center

The Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev aims to improve quality of life in the Negev by cultivating strong social, educational and cultural leadership. The Center focuses on developing a powerful community of leaders grounded in vision, values and expertise, who will lead groundbreaking initiatives, out of their commitment to all the communities of the Negev and to strengthening the shared spaces of the region.

People in a circle participating in a group bonding activity, using string

The Negev covers 64% of Israel’s territory and is home to diverse population groups. Jews constitute 72% of the region's residents, while the Bedouin Arab population accounts for 28%. The Negev region faces numerous challenges, including significant socioeconomic disparities, uneven access to quality education and public services, the need to strengthen civil society, tensions between different social groups and ongoing security concerns – particularly along the Gaza border, highlighted by the October 7 attack on Western Negev communities. Despite these challenges, the Negev has several flourishing urban centers, including the Beer Sheva metropolitan area, Rahat (the largest Arab city in Israel) and Eilat, Israel’s southern gateway. Additionally, nationally significant developments are underway, such as the relocation of major IDF bases to the Negev and the growth of high-tech zones.

A panel of four speakers sitting around a table

Given the many challenges and opportunities in the region, the Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev aims to improve quality of life in the Negev by cultivating strong social, educational and cultural leadership. The Center focuses on developing leaders grounded in vision, values and expertise, who will lead practical initiatives and bring positive momentum to the region.

The Center’s fellows are residents of the Negev representing a wide range of professional fields, social backgrounds and communities. All share a commitment to improving life in the Negev and demonstrate the potential to create meaningful social impact.

A group of people standing in the desert, waving towards the mountains in front of them — Impact in the Field
The Center’s graduates share a common understanding of leadership and a commitment to drive change. Together, they form a broad and diverse graduate community that builds bridges across communities, population groups and professional fields, working for the benefit of all Negev residents.

About the Mandel Foundation–Israel

The Mandel Foundation–Israel aims to advance Israel as a Jewish and democratic state that is inclusive, just and pluralistic, by training visionary leaders in the fields of education, society and culture in Israel.