Dispatches from Israel
Until recently, pregnancy in the Central Arava in Israel’s South came with an added burden: distance. Expectant mothers had no choice but to leave the region for essential tests and care, often traveling three or more hours each way to Dimona or Be’er Sheva. Limited access to advanced healthcare posed a serious challenge for growing families in the region. Today, that is beginning to change.
Located in the heart of the desert, the JNF-Arava Medical Center—made possible by the generosity of Danielle and Irving Grossman—serves the 8,000 residents living in one of Israel’s most remote regions. With the introduction of routine genetic screening for pregnant women, the center is bringing advanced, equitable healthcare closer to home.
“The new genetic tests in the Arava screen for 600 genetic mutations,” explains Inbar Korin, a regional nurse at the medical center. “It is updated every four years, meaning new mutations are added to the screening each time.” Supported by Jewish National Fund-USA’s long-standing investment in regional infrastructure, this advancement ensures that young families no longer need to travel far for quality care.
Since the establishment of the medical center, healthcare in the Central Arava has expanded steadily, offering life-changing options for families. With Jewish National Fund-USA’s support, fundraising is now underway to add an imaging center with X-ray and casting services. Each advancement contributes to the organization’s circles of impact: improved healthcare encourages young families to settle; population growth strengthens local communities; and thriving communities secure the region’s future.
This is the Jewish National Fund-USA vision in action. By advancing women’s health and expanding access to cutting-edge medical care in the periphery, the organization is helping transform the Arava into a place where growing families can truly call home—today and for generations to come.
To learn more, visit jnf.org/AravaMedical
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