Origin and Goals
Amana, the settlement movement of Gush Emunim, was established in 1978 with the primary goal of developing communities in Judea, Samaria, The Golan Heights, The Galilee, The Negev and Gush Katif. This goal includes not only the establishment of communities and their supportive industries and social services but their continued maintenance and development.
The critical nature of Amana's work lies in insuring a strong, vibrant presence in the only areas which can provide quality living for the inevitable overflow from the crowded Tel Aviv, coastal region. This presence is a guiding force in protecting the conditions necessary for a Jewish State.
The first pioneering communities built by Amana were Ofra, Mevo Modi'in, Kedumim and Ma'aleh Adumim.
Amana is the only movement of its kind in Jerusalem.
Targeted Population
Amana seeks out all those interested in building their lives in one of its communities, regardless of age, country of origin, religious observance or profession. Among these residents can be found native-born Israelis, new and more established immigrants from all over the world, young couples, singles, families and seniors, religious, secular and haredi. In fact, Amana has established the forerunner integrated communities of religious and secular families where innovative schools have become models for other educational institutions around the country.
Most of Amana's communities retain a pastoral nature, limiting the number of families to 200 families to insure their warm family nature. There are, however, communities ranging in size from 200-1000 families for those seeking such options.
Activities
Establishing communities –
Drawing up the plans for building communities and securing the
necessary political and bureaucratic approval
Organizing groups to found communities –
Matching families with similar geographic and social characteristics to
form a founding group of residents
Guiding the founding group toward understanding the financial, social
and organizational frameworks necessary for a healthy community
Overseeing the initial move to the new community and the beginning
stages of development
Supervising communities –
Supervising all aspects of community life until independent capabilities
have been firmly established
Utilizing decades of experience with governmental bodies and other
professionals to form a strong social, organizational and financial
foundation in the community
Absorption of new immigrants –
Encouraging Amana communities to take an active role in the
successful integration of immigrants by providing help in
developing appropriate facilities, affordable housing, sources of funding,
social services specific to absorption needs and more.
Recruiting new families –
Increasing public awareness regarding the importance and availability
of quality living in Amana's communities through advertising, marketing
and disseminating public information.
Building homes –
Undertaking building projects in Amana communities with its associate
company, "Binyanei Bar Amana", in which modest quality homes are
built quickly at reasonable prices.
יישובי אמנה
