Kibbutz Ketura - Arava Institute

The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) at Kibbutz Ketura is the center for environmental leadership in the Middle East. AIES, with the help of JNF, has become the first teaching institution in the world that brings together a broad range of Middle Eastern students and professionals, along with international colleagues, to study the environmental challenges of the regions, apply innovative solutions to these challenges, and build a unified leadership base critical to the economic, environmental and societal growth.

Since its founding, hundreds of young people from Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and around the world have studied at the Institute, many of whom afterward continue to work in the environmental field either in non-profit or government agencies. AIES, with the support of JNF, is committed to the training of professionals and activists who understand regional environmental problems, and solve them in that context.

Countries of the Middle East share air, water, habitats and landscapes. Many of these sensitive areas now suffer the long-term effects of pollution due to population and industrial growth, neglect and damage inherent in desert ecologies. Yet, for reasons of political and societal polarity, the scientific communities in the region do not work closely to address the severity of these environmental challenges. Ultimately, the Middle East's scientific communities must learn how to work together to address these problems, which continue to grow.

AIES, with the help of JNF, has become the first teaching institution in the world that brings together a broad range of Middle Eastern students and professionals, along with international colleagues, to study the environmental challenges of the regions, apply innovative solutions to these challenges, and build a unified leadership base critical to the economic, environmental and societal growth. 

The partnership between JNF and Arava Institute dates to 2003.  Together, we help promote the mission of protecting the land and ensuring sustainable development.  JNF has helped build dormitories and classrooms and sponsored student scholarships.

JNF funds a variety of specific projects at AIES which include providing:

1. Scholarships for Middle Eastern students to study at the Institute
2. New dormitories, laboratories, and campus facilities at Kibbutz Ketura
3. A contingent of JNF riders for Israel Ride, a bike ride for peace, partnership and environmental protection
4. Funds for the building of an educational research center committed to by the Sapphire Society

JNF CEO Russell Robinson speaks on “Partnering to Protect the Land” on “Arava on the Air”, an online production of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. Click here to learn more.

Get involved and Donate to Kibbutz Ketura - Arava Institute. For naming opportunities call your local office at 888-JNF-0099.