JNF UK has built a state-of-the-art Business Hub bringing high paid job opportunities to the heart of the Negev.

Due to the distinct lack of corporate infrastructure and opportunities in the south of Israel, many of the Negev’s brightest young people currently leave the region for Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in order to pursue successful careers.

This story is particularly true of Mitzpe Ramon, a Negev town known both for overlooking a beautiful crater, but also unfortunately for its high level of unemployment, negative growth and low wages.

However, the situation need not be like this. The digital revolution has opened up new opportunities, such as digital marketing, graphic design and so much more. These skills can be practised from anywhere in the world.

JNF UK has seized this opportunity by investing over £1 million to develop a Business Valley in Mitzpe Ramon. This exciting new facility is home to a number of firms specialising in digital marketing and new media, such as global advertising agency McCann Erkison.

The JNF UK Business Valley is expected to bring hundreds of high-paid, modern job opportunities to the South that will attract not only the brightest and the best from within the Negev, but will also draw in talented individuals from the centre of Israel – young 21st century pioneers armed with iPads, laptops and mobile phones.

This is a completely new model for the Negev and we at JNF UK are proud to be leading such a wonderful initiative that has the potential to bring about a truly profound change to the region.

The Valley opened for business in April 2018. The project was named after John Roburn who left a generous legacy to support the vital work of JNF UK in Israel.

McCann Erikson started with 15 employees located in The Valley but in 2023, despite Covid-19, a war and other challenges, they employed over three times as many with a maximum number of staff reaching 48. Over the years, 46 families of McCann employees have decided to make the remote desert
town their home. McCann Valley has been heavily engaged with the local community, creating social and educational impact.

Thanks to further JNF UK funding, The Valley also operates a Makers Lab Programme for more than 160 school students who arrive weekly and gain experience in the advertising industry, using 3D printers, professional cameras and more.