Student Village to Be Established on Agricultural Farm in Benjamin

A first-of-its-kind student village will soon be established on an agricultural farm in the Benjamin region. The initiative, promoted by the Benjamin Regional Council and the Ministry of Settlement Affairs at "Hanina's Farm" on Alon Road, aims to strengthen the presence in open areas of the region. Under the plan, developed by the Association of Farm Communities within "Torah Ba'Chava," young people will live at the location, combining their academic studies with guard duty and agricultural work. Students will receive housing at a symbolic rent and a scholarship in exchange for 140 hours of volunteer work, including guard shifts and assistance with the farm's daily operations, alongside joint social and community activities. The model at the first farm is intended to serve as a pilot for future expansion to additional farms throughout Benjamin, with the goal of connecting several adjacent farms into a single student community.

Yisrael Gantz, Chairman of the Yesha Council, praised the move, stating, "We are proud to break ground and establish a student village on a farm together with the Ministry of Settlement Affairs. Students have proven in the past how they revitalize and strengthen communities. Now we are enlisting them to bolster settlement and protect open areas. They will be a force multiplier for the farm families and partners in defending Benjamin, the West Bank, and the entire State of Israel."

Minister of Settlement Affairs Orit Strock added, "The integration of students in assisting and supporting the farm enterprise is a significant step up in Israel's ability to contend with and win the battle for open areas. The Ministry of Settlement Affairs will accompany the new initiative at the first chosen farm and expand it to additional farms as needed."