Israel inaugurated its 58th year as the year of “Development of the Negev and the Galilee.” The government ceremony took place Tuesday. The decision is part of the government’s plan to make these areas a focus of development and investment, together with the Jewish community abroad. In November the government approved a $3.8 billion, 10-year strategic plan for the development of the Negev, and a similar proposal for Galilee development is planned. During the official Independence Day ceremony, activists and community leaders from the Galilee and Negev will be honored for their work in their regions, from developing educational programs for underprivileged youth and promoting desert agriculture to starting small business networks.
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