Society and Community
Although each community has its own uniquely different character they all boast heterogeneous populations, which include native-born Israelis, as well as new immigrants, many from English-speaking countries.
The community life in the various localities is very active. They offer a great variety of classes as well as cultural and artistic events within the village and at the community center. But the most significant aspect of community life is the mutual concern among the inhabitants and the support network they offer one another.
Tekoa is a mixed community for religious and secular populations, with a very open approach that attracts many different types of people who are interested in a colorful, “unconventional” community.
Education
Each village provides educational settings for infants from the age of 3 months to children of post-kindergarten age.
Both elementary and high school students can choose among several options in the area. All of them conform to the highest educational standards and are tailored to the needs of the child and his family. The inhabitants of Gush Etzion are very proud of their diverse and high-quality educational system.
The informal educational settings are likewise rich and varied. There are enrichment activities and extracurricular classes that are held in schools or recreation clubs in individual localities, or at the local community center. The Regional council provides a variety of activities and facilities and youth movements specifically Bnei Akiva are active forces in the area making this quite a haven for the regions many children.
Housing Options
Rental during the first year: Tekoa: mobile homes – $100 a month.
Neve Daniel and Elazar: mobile homes – $200 a month.
Temporary housing: Private apartments of various sizes can be rented at market prices.
Permanent housing: New construction (private or through a contractor-developer) is possible in any of the three localities, in a variety of different models at attractive prices.
There is also the option of purchasing the small number of existing homes, at market prices.
Employment
The residents of the different communities work either in the community, in one of the nearby villages, or in Jerusalem. A small percentage of the population works in the Central Tel Aviv region. Travel time to any area is relatively short providing the option of finding work at any of the various employment centers.
There is a wide range of employment fields, as well as the option for new business enterprises at the new Gush Etzion industrial park or in one of the villages.
An employment coordinator at the Regional Council assists inhabitants in finding employment in the area, and offers them advice with regard to entrepreneurships and new business investments.
Preferred Terms
- Five month beginner Ulpan: to be held in the village or at the local ulpan depending on the number of students. Should the need arise and to the extent that it is possible, a second more advanced ulpan will be offered for an additional six months.
- Individual tutoring geared towards improving Hebrew language skills and facilitating social adjustment.
- General enrichment studies in Israeli geography, current events, history and Judaism.
- Tours throughout the region and the country.
- A local family to provide personal guidance for each immigrant family.
- Subsidized enrichment studies for children.
- An exemption from property and local taxes for the first year.
- A furnished apartment equipped with basic amenities.
- The option to buy permanent housing under preferred terms.
- Professional consulting for entrepreneurs.
- Assistance in finding employment.
Contact: At the Regional Council: Sarah Weinreb sweinreb@hotmail.com 02-9939970, 057-7718714
In Tekoa: Shani Simkowitz: gushezif@zahav.net.il, 050-4012071
At the Rural Settlement Division: Dan Bismuth – 02-6202224 Michal Seluk – 02-620456
Last Updated: December 22, 2005