The goal of the program is to train a group of high-quality leaders who will work to significantly improve various areas of life for residents of the Western Negev.

  • Program FormatOnce a week for two academic years
  • Years of Activity2020 - 2022

Program Goals

To cultivate outstanding leaders from the Gaza border region, with an emphasis on developing individual capabilities, formulating a values-based worldview, and gaining a fresh perspective on the region as individuals and as a community.

To promote initiatives that are designed to improve the lives of residents of the Gaza border region, in light of the challenges the communities face in general, and in recent years in particular.

To develop regional resilience that can improve quality of life in the Gaza border region and throughout the entire Negev.

To create and strengthen shared spaces for the different communities of the Negev, while fostering partnerships, ideas, and practical solidarity.

General Description

The program ran for two academic years, with sessions held weekly on Thursdays. Studies were held at the Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev in Beer Sheva. The program also included a number of field trips and retreats in other parts of the country.

Upon completing the program, fellows received a graduation certificate and continue to receive support from the center for their initiatives.

Course of Studies

The study program was based on four main categories:

  1. Values, worldview, and identity: In-depth exploration of concepts; philosophical study of values and their meaning; examination and clarification of identity and worldview.

  2. Space and place: Study of the main characteristics and challenges associated with the places and spaces in which the fellows operate; examination of the fundamental issues facing Israeli society from an economic, social, historical, and cultural perspective, with reference to the particular characteristics and challenges of the Gaza border area.

  3. Policy, government, and local government: Study of the challenges and complexities of governance; developing “compasses” for navigating the processes of policymaking.

  4. Leadership and practice: Study of patterns of leadership and competing leadership styles; theoretical and practical encounters with leaders; examination of the concept and phenomenon of an “act of leadership” on the level of the individual, the community, and the town or city.

The program also included a practical component designed to give participants hands-on experience in applying their ideas in practice. Bridging the gap between theory and practice served as a basis for both action and reflection. The training process combined group study, individual tutoring, field trips, and intensive seminars

Program Director

Dr. Rotem Bresler-Gonen

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.