Nitzanim is animated by a vision of Israel in which cities and regional councils across the country develop into vibrant Israeli Jewish communities that reflect deep commitment to Jewish study and experience, Jewish diversity, and mutual respect and responsibility among residents.
Nitzanim was developed in the wake of successful Foundation initiatives in Upper Nazareth, the Emek Hefer Regional Council, and Gan Yavneh (see the descriptions of Olamot, Zayit, and Zikah). Commencing in 2010, AVI CHAI plans to work with the local leadership of three cities—Haifa, Modi’in, and Hod Hasharon—and to explore the feasibility of three additional municipalities during 2011.
Nitzanim presupposes an effort of six years in each locality, which will entail: mobilization of a leadership group of municipal and lay leaders; drafting of a local vision for Israeli Jewish communal life; development of a preliminary work plan based on the vision; establishment of a Nitzanim office to oversee local efforts; implementation of pilot programs to explore interest and cultivate additional partners; and finally an extended period of programming and feedback, during which an expanding range of initiatives are developed and implemented, as Nitzanim broadens and coordinates its reach within each community.
Nitzanim’s agenda is ambitious: to develop and realize a vision that leverages multiple platforms—schools, community centers, cultural institutions, and other local agencies—in order to strengthen residents’ ties to their community, the Land of Israel, and their Jewish heritage. Nitzanim’s success will be determined by its ability to: mobilize a committed local leadership; foster diverse, quality programs in Jewish education and culture; enrich and stimulate the Jewish lives of significant segments of the population; and create a framework that can be sustained after AVI CHAI exits.
AVI CHAI’s funding is conditioned on matching support from each municipality; efforts are being made to recruit strategic partners to join a country-wide effort that will reach at least 13 municipalities in the coming decade.