The World Zionist Village is designed to become the world's premier gathering place for Jewish connection, Zionist education and innovation, according to Yoel Rosby of Jewish National Fund-USA, who says the ambitious initiative will strengthen both Israel's Negev and the bond between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Speaking at the ynet Global studios, Rosby described the project as far more than a campus, calling it a long-term investment in Jewish identity, leadership and community that will serve generations to come.
"Our strength has always been togetherness," Rosby said. "From biblical times through the synagogue and Jewish communities around the world, we've always needed a place where people can gather." He believes the World Zionist Village will become that place—a global destination where Israel supporters from around the world can come together to learn, collaborate and build lasting relationships. "It will be that global watering hole," he said, "where conversations happen and community is built."
JNF studio interview with Yoel Rosby of Jewish National Fund-USA
Rosby said Be'er Sheva was selected because it represents both Israel's history and its future. The biblical city where Abraham established roots is now one of Israel's fastest-growing centers for technology, defense and innovation. "The conversation began in Be'er Sheva," he said. "It only makes sense to continue that conversation where it started." At the same time, he said, the city's rapid development makes it the ideal location for a project focused on shaping Israel's future.
The village itself will combine world-class hospitality, educational facilities, leadership programs, innovation hubs and cultural experiences. Visitors may spend a week studying Zionism, participate in leadership seminars, collaborate with Israeli startups or simply experience Israel through meaningful encounters with people from around the world. Rosby compared the vision to the life-changing experiences many Diaspora Jews once found while volunteering on Israeli kibbutzim.
"We're creating experiences," he said. "Someone from France, Sweden, Alabama or Tel Aviv will come together, meet people who share a love for Israel, and those relationships can become defining moments in their lives."
Rosby emphasized that the World Zionist Village is intended to welcome both Jews and non-Jews interested in understanding Israel and Zionism. He described it as "the Disneyland of Zionism," where visitors can choose experiences that match their interests; from entrepreneurship and technology accelerators to educational programs, leadership training and cultural exploration.
"We want everyone to feel welcome," he said. "Whether you're interested in innovation, education or simply understanding Israel better, there's a place for you here."
The planned World Zionist Village
(Photo: JNF)
While the initiative has an international mission, Rosby said it is equally committed to strengthening southern Israel. Rather than creating an isolated campus, the World Zionist Village will become part of Be'er Sheva's growing ecosystem by partnering with local neighborhoods, schools, businesses and public facilities. International scholars, entrepreneurs and students will interact naturally with local residents through shared classrooms, sports facilities and community spaces.
"The conversations in the hallway, in the locker room or over coffee can be just as meaningful as anything happening in a classroom," Rosby said. "We're not creating a new ecosystem—we're strengthening the incredible one that's already here."
Yoel Rosby of Jewish National Fund-USA
Rosby said the events of October 7 reinforced the urgency of strengthening Jewish identity and community around the world. Rather than responding with louder rhetoric, he believes the answer lies in deeper relationships and education.
"Our enemies try to pull us apart," he said. "We don't need to scream louder—we need stronger conversations. Zionism is something beautiful. It's about community, responsibility and building a better future together."
For Jewish National Fund-USA, which has invested in Israel's development for more than 125 years, the World Zionist Village represents the next chapter in that mission. Just as previous generations built forests, reservoirs and communities that helped shape modern Israel, Rosby believes today's challenge is strengthening the human connections that will sustain the Jewish people in the decades ahead.
The World Zionist Village is designed to become the world's premier gathering place for Jewish connection, Zionist education and innovation
(Photo: JNF)
"We have to build bridges," he said. "People are looking for a place where they can reconnect with Israel, reconnect with Zionism and reconnect with each other."
Rosby said the project is ultimately about giving people confidence that they are part of something larger than themselves at a time when many Jews around the world feel increasingly isolated.
"We're at a crossroads," he said. "People everywhere, from Alabama to France to Jerusalem, are asking themselves whether they should stand up for Israel, for Zionism or for their Jewish identity. The message of the World Zionist Village is simple: You're not alone. There are people who will stand with you."
As the World Zionist Village moves from vision to reality, Rosby hopes it will become more than a destination. He believes it can serve as a permanent home for dialogue, innovation and leadership while strengthening the Negev and inspiring a new generation to embrace Zionism with pride.
"We don't want people to feel like heroes for being Zionists," he said. "We want it to be a natural part of life, a place where people can come together, feel safe, grow stronger and know they belong."
In collaboration with JNF-USA