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When you strengthen individuals, you enable them to strengthen others.

Such is the power of empowerment

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// David Merage //

The Merage Foundation Israel

Merage Foundation Israel is a private philanthropic organization founded by David and Laura Merage in 1998. Inspired by David Ben-Gurion,   the foundation is based on the pioneering spirit, entrepreneurship, and innovation of Israel. The foundation promotes a wide range of programs with a focus on the development of the Negev, immigration, and social resilience, aiming to advance Israeli society.

Our Core Programs

A program to transform the Negev into a leading international destination for agritourism and wine tourism.

The Negev R&D-Based Innovation Hub

A renewed Sense of Community and Solidarity Among Army Reservists

Promotion, adaptation, and commercialization of desert and climate technologies, transforming the Negev into a global entrepreneurial hub.

Empowering senior citizens by providing access to technological tools, including new media.

Making Sure that Lone Soldiers Will Never Be Alone Again

A unique empowerment framework for women of Iranian descent, spread across 12 clubs throughout the country.

Updates

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710 Initiative – Employment Project for the Western Negev and North Evacuees

The foundation supports and promotes employment opportunities for evacuees from the Western Negev and North through the 710 West initiative. We believe that employment is an essential and effective tool for coping and building personal resilience.The 710 West initiative was established in collaboration with NGO 51, the Merage Foundation Israel, and additional partners. It is designed for all evacuees from the Western Negev and the North who have been evacuated from their homes. The initiative facilitates employment connections, helping evacuees find jobs tailored to their needs and abilities, while providing comprehensive employment support.

Visit us on the 710 West website.

2025
Ben Gurion Report 2025 | Negev Development
As part of our ongoing commitment to developing the Negev, we are pleased to share the Ben Gurion Report 2025. The report provides an updated overview of government investments in the region and serves as a key tool for monitoring and advancing development for all residents.
It analyzes the implementation of 20 current government decisions across security, infrastructure, economy, health, resilience, and settlement. The findings were presented at the 3rd Ben-Gurion Conference, alongside a dedicated panel discussing their implications.
The project was carried out in collaboration with the Ramat Negev Regional Council, the Ministry of the Negev, the Ministry of National Resilience, and the Negev Development Authority, with the goal of promoting government initiatives and connecting organizations and local leaders in the field.
Read the full report here
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Leading collaboration with Creation-Space to transform Mitzpe Ramon into a groundbreaking space city!
From its inception, the Merage Foundation recognized the Negev as a key of Israel’s growth and has spearheaded numerous initiatives for its development over the years. The Merage Foundation is proud to collaborate with Creation-Space, with a unique focus on transforming Mitzpe Ramon into a pioneering space city. Creation-Space, a global innovation hub, advances Space-Earth technologies aimed at supporting sustainable human presence in space while enhancing life on Earth. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the Merage Foundation’s vision of making the Negev a global innovation hub connecting communities, technology, and the environment.