Negev desert
Photo: Tal Glick
New town for rich US immigrants
New southern town aims to attract affluent American immigrants
In less than 18 months the cornerstone will be laid to mark the beginning of construction of a new community in the Negev, called Carmit, designated for wealthy, young American immigrants who want to make Aliyah and live in style.
The planned new community will include 2,650 private homes for about 11,500 new residents, Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday. The target residents are mainly lawyers, engineers, doctors, and CPAs.
MK Shimon Peres said on Monday that he is happy that his first task as minister in charge of development of the Negev and Galilee is to push forward the construction of the new community.
Efrat Duvdevani, Director of the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee said that the new residents of Carmit will get aid in employment and more affordable rates for land appropriated for construction.
Ronny Palmer, who heads an organization that promotes building communities in the Negev, said that the first wave of immigrants will arrive in Israel in a year and half and construction work at the new community should begin early next year.
