Israel's First Student Village Established at Binyamin Farm to Boost Security
The Binyamin Regional Council and the Ministry of Settlement are launching Israel's first farm student village at Havat Hanina, combining academics with agricultural labor and security.
The Binyamin Regional Council is advancing the establishment of a pioneering student village at the "Havat Hanina" farm along the Alon Road, the first of its kind in Israel. Under the initiative, students will reside at the farm, combining academic studies with agricultural work and security shifts to reinforce farm families and secure open spaces.
The project is spearheaded by the Farm Villages Association under "Torah BaHava," led by the Binyamin Plus youth department and the Binyamin Regional Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions, the Yesha Council, and the Orot Eliraz Association.
According to the plan, students will receive subsidized housing and a scholarship in exchange for 140 hours of monthly volunteer work at the farm. This includes routine agricultural assistance and security patrols, alongside community and social activities.
Organizers aim to address the critical need for a steady workforce on remote farms, where families manage extensive grazing lands and agriculture. The student community will integrate into daily life, providing vital support throughout the academic year.
The Havat Hanina project is slated to serve as a pilot for expanding the initiative to additional farms across Binyamin, with future plans to connect nearby homesteads into unified student support networks.
Binyamin Regional Council and Yesha Council Chairman Israel Gantz stated that Binyamin is proud to pioneer the initiative alongside the Ministry of Settlement. He noted that students have historically revitalized communities and will now serve as a force multiplier for defending open spaces and strengthening the region.
Minister of Settlement and National Missions Orit Strock emphasized that integrating students into the farm network represents a significant upgrade in Israel's efforts to secure open spaces. She praised the Binyamin Council for leading the initiative and confirmed ongoing ministry backing for the pilot and future expansions.
