The Ayalim Association was founded in 2002 with the goal to strengthen existing communities and social involvement in the Negev and Galilee. The Association's role is to revive and renew the Zionist idea in the 21st century. Ayalim achieves this goal through the establishment of student and entrepreneur villages. This is young social entrepreneurship fosters the connection between people and land, and between the individual and society. 

The establishment of Student Villages and entrepreneur training constitutes the foundation for social involvement and the creation of new permanent communities. The students in the villages integrate community building and social outreach, thereby promoting society and education in the Negev and Galilee. In return for academic scholarships and subsidized housing in the villages, each student in Ayalim volunteers 500 hours annually with children in development towns and distressed neighborhoods, and takes part in the association's special projects, with the understanding that the projects' success depends on a combination of individual needs and national objectives. 

To date, there are close 700 student participants in the Ayalim Association, living and volunteering in 13 student and entrepreneur villages throughout the Negev and Galilee. The students in these villages are already generating a tangible change in the Israeli periphery in particular, and in the future of the State of Israel in general. These volunteers directly impact over 20,000 children, who receive structured activity, tutoring and social guidance.

We invite you to come visit our villages and join us in our efforts to create a better future for the Negev, the Galilee and the State of Israel.