From Desert Dust to Stage

By almost any measure, the Arava Valley feels far away. Situated between the Dead Sea and Eilat, the southern desert stretches beneath enormous skies, with the nearest major city several hours’ drive. Yet amid this vast stillness—or perhaps because of it—the Arava Valley is luring young families, eager to create new lives in this remote location and allowing for the emergence of desirable programs such as the Arava Dance Program, that has become a center of artistic excellence, attracting top instructors from across Israel and giving young dancers the chance to grow, perform, and dream big—all within their desert home.  

What began as a small experiment in 1991 now serves more than 100 students annually, from toddlers to seniors. But programs like this don’t appear by chance. They depend on thriving communities made possible through Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund, which helps open new neighborhoods and expand existing ones across Israel’s North and South, turning isolated stretches of desert into vibrant, livable towns.  

The Peled Family: Taking the Leap 

For the Peled family moving south to the Arava from the country’s center, meant a leap of faith. “We were looking for a place where our daughter Shiri could continue her dance training seriously,” says her mother, Gili. “We heard wonderful things about the Arava Dance Program—but at first, it seemed so far from everything.”  

Once they visited, they were struck by the quality of instruction and the warmth of the community. Soon after, they relocated to Ein Yahav, a growing moshav 100 meters below sea level, and realized their dream of a permanent home thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund, which enabled a new neighborhood to break ground in Ein Yahav.  

 “It really is a village that raises the kids,” Gili says. “The children grow up surrounded by nature, responsibility, and a strong sense of community.”  

Today, Shiri trains under program director Orna Malka, who guides her through workshops and auditions, opening doors far beyond the desert. “She’s already performed on major stages in Israel and abroad,” Gili says proudly. “I never imagined this would be possible here.”  

The Hyman–Dror Family: Finding Balance 

When the Hyman–Dror family moved to the Arava community of Hatzeva in 2018, the natural beauty and the promise of a close-knit community drew them in. For Noa Hyman–Dror, however, one factor sealed the decision: ensuring her daughter, Hagar, could keep dancing.  

“The Arava Dance Program became our anchor,” Noa says. “Even though we’re far from major cities, Hagar still gets to do what she loves most.” The program connects students to Israel’s broader dance world, providing workshops, masterclasses, and exposure that would rival any urban program.  

Noa herself joined adult dance classes, rediscovering her own joy in movement. “Yes, life here requires more planning,” she admits, “but what we gain—peace, space, deep relationships—makes every bit of effort worth it.” 

Building the Future, One Housing Site at a Time 

Behind these families’ stories lies the quiet power of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund. By helping expedite and finance housing sites, the Fund fuels population growth across Israel’s frontier regions, creating circles of impact. New neighborhoods in Hatzeva, Ein Yahav, and other Arava communities are quickly filling—with 80% of new lots already sold—as more families choose to build lives in the desert.  

These homes are more than bricks and mortar; they are foundations for opportunity. Without housing, there are no families. Without families, no schools, no dance programs, no future.  

The Power of Choosing the Desert 

Program director Orna Malka puts it simply: “You don’t have to live in Tel Aviv to become a professional dancer. What matters is commitment, support, and believing that excellence can grow anywhere.”  

Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund, that belief is now reality. In Israel’s desert, new communities are rising, and with them, dreams—of dance, of family, of a future built on hope and hard work.  

In the Arava, the desert isn’t empty. It’s alive with rhythm, resilience, and possibility—all made possible by the homes that turn dreams into reality. 

To support Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund, visit jnf.org/HDF