JNF UK backs Negev academic course with British-funded renovation of building

Jewish charity celebrates bachelor's degree which launched last week offering students the chance to study society, music and culture

The British arm of the Jewish National Fund has celebrated the launch of a new bachelor’s degree in the Negev that will utilise a building paid for by British supporters.

Two three-year programmes, which began last week, offer Israeli students the chance to study either ‘society and culture’ or ‘music and culture,’ the latter focusing on music from the east, including ethnic instruments and Jewish liturgical poems.

Supporters of JNF UK paid for the recent renovation of the conservatory at Yeruham, where the students’ first two years of study takes place. One of Israel’s first frontier towns, Yeruham was established in 1951, but has suffered from economic under-development in recent decades.

“We are now completing the advancement of educational programmes for all age groups in Yeruham, from early childhood through investment in primary schools to high school and now also in tertiary education,” said JNF UK chair Samuel Hayek.

“Our goal is for every child and student in the Negev to realise their maximum potential and to turn the Negev into a magnet for talented people from all over.”