Partnership 2000  |  Colorado-Ramat Negev

In 1999 the people of Ramat Negev and Colorado launched the Colorado – Ramat Negev Partnership. This partnership connects two communities that lie on opposite sides of a vast ocean yet share a strong pioneering spirit and communal solidarity.

The Ramat Negev and Colorado PartnershipÂ’s first joint venture supported the Nitzana Youth Village, an extraordinary educational center founded by winner of the Israel Prize Lova Eliav, serving immigrants, Youth Aliyah pupils and Israeli high school students.

Since then the Partnership, directed by a joint steering committee, has expanded the scope of its projects to encompass education, agriculture, population growth and settlement in the Negev, tourism and economic development. The Partnership is recognized
for having made  significant contributions to the development of the Negev and the fulfillment of David Ben GurionÂ’s vision while at the same time strengthening the link between the two communities.

We hope that through these joint activities, the citizens of Ramat Negev and the Colorado Jewish community will continue to form personal relationships – as individuals, as groups, and as a community.  These bonds of friendship are the basis for the true partnership to which we aspire.  Sixty years after the establishment of the State of Israel, the ties between the communities constitute a meaningful and essential channel for the continuation of Jewish identity among the next generation in the Diaspora and for the societal strength and resilience of the State of Israel.  The bond between Ramat Negev and Colorado serves as an exemplary model of how to create intercommunity relations and demonstrates the tremendous power embedded in the common vision we share. 

Main Areas of Shared Interest

Cultural and Social Activities

Youth Activities

  • Creating a regional youth movement to reinforce a strong sense of identification and belonging among the regionÂ’s youth
  •  Youth exchanges – hosting IST students and Birthright college students; sending Ramat Negev campers and counselors to Denver summer camps
  •  Serving and promoting the advancement of kindergarten and school children with special needs

Cultural Activities

  • Senior Citizen activities addressing a variety of needs, learning experiences, field trips and enrichment classes
  • Summer day camps for the regionÂ’s children and youth.
  • End-of-summer celebrations in Ramat Negev
  • Annual “Sounds of Music in the Desert” Festival featuring IsraelÂ’s finest musicians of classical and lighter music

Encouraging Settlement in Ramat Negev

  • Supporting and assisting newcomers to the region.
  • Creating programs to increase the number of inhabitants throughout the Negev.
  • Helping small businesses get started, strengthening the capacity of small businesses, and supporting the expansion of existing businesses.
  •  Assisting the Ayalim Students Association in promoting settlement in the Negev by university students and post-grads.


Strengthening Inter-Community Ties

Delegation Exchanges
Delegation exchanges typically based on common interests.  Recent exchanges include:  Search & Rescue units, bike riders, and educators

Leadership Course
A 10-day leadership course for Colorado and Ramat Negev youth leaders

HIP (Hebrew Immersion Program)
A 6-week program of intensive Hebrew studies and community service for all 10th graders from Herzl/RMHA.  The program is hosted by the Environmental High School at Ben Gurion Village.

Ya’ar Shorashim (“Roots” Forest) Project
Provides each Bar/Bat Mitzvah child with the opportunity to have an olive tree planted and named for him/her in Ramat Negev and for producing a “Family Roots” research paper

Desert Hospitality
Provides an opportunity for individuals and/or families to experience short of long tours of the region (we offer two guest apartments for comfortable, affordable lodging in Ramat Negev).

Scholarship Funds
Scholarships are awarded to youth displaying outstanding talent and excellence in the fields of music, dance, and sports.


For more information on Partnership 2000 activities, please visit:
The Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado website: www.jewishcolorado.org


Partnership 2000