Yoav Regional Council: Communities and Leadership
The Yoav Regional Council serves as a diverse administrative body overseeing a variety of residential and agricultural communities. From traditional collective settlements to modern community hubs, the council manages a unique blend of social structures and demographics, with its central government offices strategically located at Re'em Junction.
Key Facts
- The council comprises 8 kibbutzim, 3 moshavim, one youth village, one community settlement, and one Arab village.
- Matti Sarfati Harkavi is the first woman elected as Mayor of the Yoav Regional Council.
- The council maintains international ties, specifically with the Lehigh Valley Jewish community in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
- Administrative operations are centered at Re'em Junction.
Council Leadership and Governance
The leadership of the Yoav Regional Council has seen significant milestones in recent years. The previous mayor, Rani Traynin of Beit Nir, resigned from his post to take on the role of Vice Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Following Traynin's departure, Matti Sarfati Harkavi was elected as the new mayor, marking the first time a woman has held this position in the council's history. A resident of moshav Sgula and a distinguished plant geneticist, Harkavi brings a scientific background to her governance. She previously served as the Yoav Chairperson of the Partnership 2000 Committee, a program designed to foster connections between the Yoav Regional Council and the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Community Composition
The council is characterized by its diverse settlement types. These include kibbutzim (collective communities based on shared agriculture and social ownership) and moshavim (cooperative agricultural villages where families work their own plots).
Kibbutzim
There are eight kibbutzim within the council's jurisdiction: Beit Nir, Beit Guvrin, Gal On, Gat, Kfar Menachem, Negba, Revadim, and Sde Yoav.
Moshavim and Other Settlements
The council also oversees three moshavim: Kfar HaRif, Nahla, and Sgula. Additionally, the region includes Vardon, a community settlement, and al-'Azi, an Arab village.
Educational and Youth Facilities
The council is home to Kedma, a dedicated youth village providing specialized residential and educational support.
| Settlement Type | Number of Communities | Names of Communities |
|---|---|---|
| Kibbutzim | 8 | Beit Nir, Beit Guvrin, Gal On, Gat, Kfar Menachem, Negba, Revadim, Sde Yoav |
| Moshavim | 3 | Kfar HaRif, Nahla, Sgula |
| Youth Village | 1 | Kedma |
| Community Settlement | 1 | Vardon |
| Arab Village | 1 | al-'Azi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Yoav Regional Council government offices located?
The government offices are located at Re'em Junction.
Who is the current mayor of the Yoav Regional Council?
The current mayor is Matti Sarfati Harkavi, a plant geneticist from moshav Sgula and the first woman elected to the position.
What is the role of the Partnership 2000 Committee in this region?
The committee links the Yoav Regional Council with the Jewish community of the Lehigh Valley, based in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
How many different types of communities are managed by the council?
The council manages five different types of communities: kibbutzim, moshavim, a youth village, a community settlement, and an Arab village.
Who preceded Matti Sarfati Harkavi as mayor?
Rani Traynin from Beit Nir served as the immediate past mayor before becoming the Vice Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel.