Though tourists and Israeli citizens alike flock to Eilat for its stunning landscapes, beautiful weather, and relaxing atmosphere, students have been typically unable to afford the academic opportunities of Israel's southernmost city.  As a result, Eilat has suffered the loss of young, motivated individuals who would otherwise serve as catalysts for Eilat's economic and social diversity and growth.

But on October 19th, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and UIA Canada made history.  At a ceremony held just beside Ben Gurion University's Eilat campus, representatives from UJA Federation of Toronto, The Sacta-Rashi Foundation, The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Eilat Municipality laid the cornerstone for the city's first residential student dormitories. 

The dormitory project will provide students of Eilat's higher education institutions with high-quality, low-cost accommodations.  The multi-functional building will also accommodate students and volunteers from Toronto and throughout Canada during the summer recess.  This will enable a new community of young, motivated people to study in Eilat and advance the city's higher education infrastructure to help effect real municipal development and change.

As Mayor Meir Yizthak Halevi noted, "A University in Eilat with hundreds of students will boost the population.  If Eilat becomes a university town with unique academic opportunities, not only will the educational system in the city improve, but it will enhance Eilat's character and status."

This project is just another example of the dedication and vision that the Toronto Jewish community, Eilat's P2K partner, has invested in the community.  Orit Braun, Israel Department Representative for the Southern Region, spoke in the name of Ze'ev Bielsky, head of the Jewish Agency, who was detained in meetings in Russia.

"The dream that is being fulfilled today marks the latest chapter in Toronto's commitment to the region.  They have undertaken to establish a robust university in Eilat, a university that will attract young people from the entire country who will choose to establish their future and their families in this very special part of the country."

He further praised the active involvement of Toronto's Jews in the community.

"The partnership that you have created here in Eilat and the Eilot region sets the standard for all other partnerships in Israel, not only for its extensive investment in education, but in other fields as well - economic growth, community institutions, and Josephthal Hospital, to name a few."

Toronto Jewry has always demonstrated an active presence in Israel, investing far beyond their financial contributions.  Brian Schachter, P2K chairman, explained, "this partnership is unique for its warm friendship and its close personal ties with the people of the region."

A live-feed to the Toronto UJA Federation building gave the Toronto Jewish community the opportunity to be present at the event and to celebrate, with their friends in Eilat, the realization of their dream.