Jewish National Fund Essence of Life Campaign Supporting the soldiers and families of the Ramon Air Force Base

Ramon Air Force Base Facts Located in Mitzpe Ramon in Southern Israel. More than 3,000 soldiers live on the base. As well as an additional 1,500 family members – many of which are children. Soldiers spend a mandatory 3 years in the IDF (some choose to stay on longer).

Essence of Life Park and Recreation Area This is a 7.5 acre park and we plan to include a playground and running track. An amphitheater, park and promenade have already been built with the support of congregations like yours. Recognize and help ease the hardship of military life in Israel for the Air Force personnel, their spouses and children who live on the base.

Before & After: Amphitheater

Before & After: Promenade

Water Reclamation Plant Israel has a significant water crisis. We must develop new techniques to recycle water and to avoid using expensive drinking water to irrigate the grass and trees. The current water treatment plant at Ramon Air Force Base is outdated and unsustainable. We will use cutting-edge technology that duplicates the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in the unique ecosystem of a natural wetland, without any use of electrical energy. This technology is a model for other isolated areas anywhere in Israel, especially the 65 planned new military bases being built in the Negev. It will save the base 80 million gallons of drinking water a year. The recycled water will ensure that the park remains green and healthy and enable additional planting throughout the base.

How Does the Technology Work?

Beautifying the Water Reclamation Plant

Construction Has Just Begun

Your Congregation Will be Recognized on the Base! Raise $5,000 or more from your members and community in the name of your synagogue and your congregation will receive permanent recognition on the walls of the Amphitheater at the Essence of Life Park. The tile includes your synagogue’s, rabbi’s and president’s name and will be placed by year of donation on the Amphitheater wall. Individual $5,000 and above donors will also receive this honor.

Make a visit to the base The Ramon Air Force Base has given JNF the special privilege of allowing all donors from synagogues that raise $5,000 or more to come and visit the base. This base is not open to the public and this is a way for the Ramon Air Force Base to thank you for your support.

Participate in Essence of Life Since 2003, 160 congregations from all denominations have supported this important project. $3.5 million needs to be raised to complete the campaign – with your help we can make this happen! Through Essence of Life you will make a personal connection to Israeli soldiers and their families; your congregation will be permanently recognized for your contribution to our Jewish homeland.

Questions?