Kama Community was established in 2003-2004 by a group of individuals who graduated together from a mixed army and civil service program. After their service ended, they felt a need to make volunteerism and community improvement a part of their lifestyle. They chose to live in Be’er Sheva, and in 2006 established Tor HaMidbar, a nonprofit that would serve as their social action arm, a platform to actively engage in social change – later to become “Eretz-Ir”.

Today Kama Community is home to 14 couples and 20 children. Its members work in various social fields – nonprofits, social work, education, and social entrepreneurship, including four members of the management team of Eretz-Ir. Many community members actively participate in Eretz-Ir’s activities as staff and volunteers, as well as comprise its board and steering committees.

In 2017 Tor HaMidbar (“Time of The Desert”) changed its name to Eretz-Ir (“Country, City) , reflecting the organization’s growth and expanded mission of enriching cities in all of Israel’s periphery, not only in the Negev Desert.  Eretz-Ir works to show people that the cities in Israel’s periphery are a viable and desirable option when choosing where to live.

Eretz-Ir’s Goals:

• Promote community development in peripheral cities by encouraging local civil activism.
• Create innovative solutions to social needs by establishing social-business initiatives.
• Promote quality, diverse employment in the Negev by developing tri-sector partnerships and holistic solutions.
• Enhance public awareness to the high quality of life that cities in the periphery can offer, attracting and retaining young populations.