A group of residents in 1999 founded Keshet as a non-governmental organization (NGO). Keshet serves as a supportive framework for initiatives and projects designed to respond and provide solutions to multiple communal, cultural, and environmental challenges. As such, Keshet contributes to the empowerment of a united – though by no means uniform – community, as well as developing the Negev Highlands into a prosperous and sustainable area. The association’s activities focus on the areas of environment, society, education and art, which lead the association to act and promote issues that have a broad impact on the natural environment and the diverse communities located in the Negev Hןighlands region.
We, at Keshet, believe that the involvement of the members of the association along with residents of the area, is significant, calls for extensive collaborations within the fields of activity of the association.
As Keshet successfully has prompted both social and environmental changes, its positive image and reputation grew. Consequently, Keshet has received both recognition and support from a wide range of governmental and social offices, and its activities serve as an example of local civic leadership.
Keshet seeks to serve as a supportive framework for local initiatives and projects in Mitzpe Ramon and the Negev Highlands in the following areas:
Daria initiated Keshet’s Learning Community Lecture Series and travelogues.
Since joining Keshet more than 20 years ago, it has been a major part of my life. I enjoy contributing my part to Keshet’s multi-faceted activities and initiatives. I love the beauty of nature. Connected to aesthetics and beauty.
“The preservation and advancement of the unique nature surrounding us here, its aesthetics and beauty motivate me to keep going.”
Activist for equality, peace, and the environment.
Miri holds a Ph.D. in Political Ecology. She is a researcher and lecturer in environmental, social, and climate studies at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and Tel Aviv University.
She believes in social, environmental, and political change, and that positive developments will emerge from the south.
“In history and in social life nothing is ever definitive and nothing will ever be” (Antonio Gramsci)
Social and Political activist for periphery promotion
. One of the founders of the periphery movement in Israel and the Equality March. Dina is an activist, fighting for social and Distributive justice and differential budgeting in the major government offices.
“I believe that in a strong and wealthy Israel, no kid should grow up poor.”
Leads the field of Bedouin communities of the Negev Highlands in the association
Ezry is a project manager in the field of visitor centers and museums and is a partner in a website development studio. Landscape photographer, filmmaker, musician and lover of the desert.
“My leading principle is that there is no limit to the extent of which the land must be protected from the state.”
A partner in the resource development team and helps in managing various projects in the association
Hadar is socially active, an activist who has been working over the years for various rights and causes. She organizes events and projects and she is a chemistry student.
“Activism is the rent I pay for living on the planet” (alice walker)
Manages the Land of Tents Bedouin Tourism Project, the Traditional Agriculture Project, and serves as Volunteer Coordinator.
Active in the fields of society and the environment, culture and tourism. Activist, vegan, woman of peace. Loves people and the land, connected to the desert and its inhabitants.
“We, the Sabra, who were born in a land, who walked barefoot on its soil, made a covenant with it – not through books, prayers or dreams – but with bare feet, touching the hot sand” (Yigael Lev)
Manages the initiatives and activities of the LGBTQ community in Mitzpe Ramon
Amitai is an architect and urban designer, an activist, a vegan, a peace advocate, an LGBTQ+ community member, and a devoted father raising his children in Mitzpe Ramon.
“Pride Zone is not a place — it’s a daily choice to celebrate diversity and difference, to truly see one another, and to accept each person as they are.”
Founder, Director, and Facilitator of the Writing Community Workshops Project.
Evelyn is a creative writing instructor, literary editor, and owner of Between the Words (Bein HaMilim) Publishing House. Former Director of Steimatzky Publishing and creative writing lecturer at Beit Berl College; author of instructional columns for writers (“The Writer’s Guide” on Walla! Culture); and a PhD candidate in Literature at Tel Aviv University.
“For me, writing is an instinct, a way of life, a constant necessity, a yearning, and a longing. It is my way to think, digest, internalize, absorb, and create – and, to my immense good fortune, it is also my profession.”
“Writing is an adventure” – (Paul Auster)
Leads the planning and environment department, as well as the Good Neighbor-ship Project
Environmental and social activist – “Man and the Desert;” Educational entrepreneur environmental youth education.
Efrat is a desert tour guide and owner of the “Nature” desert tourism and guiding center. She regularly organizes and produces field trips, both for scientists and the public at large.
“The protection of the environment and the strengthening of the social structure of the Negev Highlands and Mitzpe Ramon communities are vital to me.”
Founder and artistic director of the CameruNegev concerts series and “Crater Musicians” events in Ramon Crater.
Yael is an extraordinary violinist who regularly appears in chamber concerts in Israel and Europe, and is a member of the 21st Century Ensemble.
Yael’s direct connection to Mitzpe Ramon and the desert created some of the finest cultural events in the area.
Interested in enriching your visit with fascinating local content? We will be happy to meet you and tell you the story of the Keshet NGO.
