I was privileged to live here, in Beer Sheva, for several years. I was Head of the Southern Command here for four years, and also departed, I believe, to all of Israel’s wars from here. I love this city. From its first day, this place looked like a city – something truly special.
I am pleased to be here with you today to inaugurate the new train station at Ben-Gurion University. I am pleased that this event is taking place today of all days, the annual memorial day for David Ben-Gurion.
David Ben-Gurion shaped and influenced almost every meaningful arena in the State of Israel. I spoke of this earlier at his gravesite. A significant portion of the tasks he set for himself was completed in his lifetime, but the mission of the Negev was left to us to complete.
Today, the Government of Israel is implementing a national plan for the development of the Negev, with an unprecedented scope of NIS 17 billion. This plan is the realization of the command which Ben-Gurion left us (and I quote): “Because only through a combined effort of a volunteering nation and a planning and implementing nation can we mobilize for the great mission of making the wilderness bloom – and populating it.”
I take this opportunity to thank the Director General of our Office, Ilan Cohen, who is sitting here. He coordinates these activities - activities of several offices, for the long-term planning and comprehensive development of the Negev.
This is the first time that the work has been carried out so comprehensively, encompassing a range of areas and combining Government action with activities of other bodies – public, private and volunteer.
The plan sets out clear goals: increasing the population of the Negev; multiplying the number of employees in the Negev; reducing the gap between the average income in the south and the national average; and equalizing the proportion of students from the Negev to that of the national average. Special attention is dedicated to the topic of education in the Bedouin sector, which is the gateway to ensuring the future of the Bedouin residents of the Negev.
Great importance is attributed in the plan to the hi-tech park which will be established here. We will move the technology units of the IDF here, and with the park, they will serve as an anchor for advanced technology for the benefit of the residents of the Negev and the entire country.
The national plan for the development of the Negev is a plan which is combined with other Government plans meant to bring the periphery closer to the center. One of these plans is the railway plan. During the last few years, we initiated a revolution in the railway field, with an investment of billions of shekels. Thanks to the “railway revolution”, the cities of the Negev will become part of the economic, commercial and cultural fabric of Israel, with all its significance.
This station is an important addition to the Tel Aviv-Beer Sheva line. As Minister of Infrastructure, I insisted on the opening of this line.
I still recall the days when there was one departure from here on Thursdays, when the soldiers would return home, and go back on Sundays. Those were the train rides here.
I remember what a commotion that raised – and that everyone explained how the line to Beer Sheva was not worthwhile. Yesterday, I was told that at the two Beer Sheva stations, almost a quarter of a million passengers pass through every month.
However, Beer Sheva is not the final stop. In two weeks time, we will inaugurate the Beer Sheva-Dimona line. I also had quite a struggle to establish this line, this time as Prime Minister – but you will see that this line will also contribute greatly to the future of the Negev.
Expanding the network of trains is part of our huge investment in infrastructure. These investments were among the factors which brought about renewed growth in the economy, after long years of recession, and to a lowering of the unemployment rate to 8.9%.
Now, we will begin to develop a network of inter-city roads. Within 5 to 7 years, we will upgrade the inter-city road system to conform to standards accepted in western countries. Here as well, in accordance with my instructions, the plan focuses on developing the Negev and the Galilee, and improving their accessibility.
All these plans, together, will lead to the successful implementation of the mission Ben-Gurion left us – which is certainly a heavy one. As one who had the privilege of knowing Ben-Gurion, I must tell you that when he assigned me a mission – I always completed it as it should be. And I promise you that this will be the case here.
Thank you.