AJEEC House in the Negev

The Vivian Silver Center for Shared Society

Promoting a shared society by narrowing gaps

The AJEEC House in the Negev, named for Vivian Silver of blessed memory, embodies a transformative vision for Arab Israeli youth’s employment and social integration. This innovative, multipurpose center will go beyond traditional vocational training and pre-employment programs, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers young professionals through targeted skill development, career mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration – through AJEEC gap year programs that serve over 1000 young adults every year, with over 10,000 alumni who are integrated into academia and quality employment. Narrowing socio-economic gaps is the launching point for the promotion of a shared society between Arabs and Jews. Our work promoting Arab-Jewish partnerships in the formal education system, in higher education and local government has been at the core of AJEEC’s work in the Negev and nationally.

AJEEC house will serve as more than just a center for organizational programming—it will be a dynamic social innovation hub. Dozens of small Arab and shared society social organizations will find a welcoming collaborative space where they can network, develop initiatives, and share resources. This approach creates a supportive, field-building environment that nurtures community-driven solutions and promotes collaborations within the shared society spaces while strengthening the capacities of the field. Dedicated to the memory of Vivian Silver, a co-founder of AJEEC, and a passionate peace activist tragically lost on October 7th, 2023, the center continues her legacy of building bridges between communities.

Currently, AJEEC’s programs touch the lives of over 10,000 participants weekly, with thousands more engaged across the country. The new AJEEC House will be equipped to:

Host modern offices with open cubicle spaces, fostering collaboration.
Provide an auditorium and classrooms for training, education, lectures, cultural activities, and community gatherings.
Serve as a headquarters for innovative initiatives addressing key social challenges in the Negev and beyond.

This center will stand as a regional home for shared society, providing space and resources for entrepreneurs, hosting partnerships, and a launchpad to advance initiatives on both regional and national levels. The three-story building is composed of three main stories encompassing 4,000 square meters (13,000 feet). Each floor has a bomb shelter located in the center of the floor, as well as an external bomb shelter on the street level. The building is fully handicap accessible. The building has multiple parking spaces,with over 80 spots in two external gated parking lots.

The building is strategically located in the Be’er Sheva’s science park, just a ten-minute walk from Ben-Gurion University, and five minutes from the Be’er Sheva North train station. In recent years, this district has attracted a diverse mix of companies, offices, and organizations – both local and international.

How You Can Help

For generations, the Jewish People have stood as a pillar of support for Israel’s future. Today, we invite you to join us in this transformative endeavor. Your contribution will:

Build the physical space for AJEEC’s mission of shared society and narrowing gaps in education and employment.
Empower marginalized communities to achieve their fullest potential.
Create a lasting tribute to Vivian Silver’s unwavering commitment to peace.

Let us unite to honor her memory and build a future of partnership and hope for the Negev, Israel, and us all.

At the heart of the initiative lies a strategic approach to professional advancement. The center designs specialized training programs that directly address the unique challenges faced by Arab Israeli youth in the job market. By partnering with leading tech companies, industry experts, and educational institutions, AJEEC develops customized pathways that prepare young professionals for high-demand sectors like technology, digital innovation, engineering, health professions, NGO’s and entrepreneurship.

Join Us in Building a Legacy

By supporting the creation of the AJEEC House, you are not just contributing to the construction of a building—you are investing in a brighter future for tens of thousands of Jews and Arabs across Israel. Together, we will:

Build Futures and Careers: Provide employment training and bridge cultural and professional gaps for thousands of young adults.

Foster Leadership: Equip the next generation of Israeli leaders with the tools and networks they need to thrive in a diverse society.

Build Bridges: Strengthen ties between Jewish and Arab communities, creating pathways to shared prosperity and understanding.

Ignite Hope: Lay the foundation for a future rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and peace.

Your partnership will help us realize this transformative vision. Join us in making history and securing a future of better lives, integration into the job world, partnership and peace for the Negev and the entire state of Israel.

Join us in fostering Israel’s spirit of a shared society and supporting the narrowing of gaps and community empowerment.