Stenzler re-elected KKL-JNF head

Re-elected chairman tells assembly that KKL-JNF in best financial shape it has ever been in; Aflalo to quit Knesset next week.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
JNF chairman Effi Stenzler 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
JNF chairman Effi Stenzler 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund General Assembly unanimously re-elected Effi Stenzler as chairman of the KKL-JNF board of directors on Wednesday in a festive meeting at the Jerusalem Plaza Hotel.
The election followed a two-year legal and political battle in which Stenzler’s political foes, led by Independence Party head Ehud Barak, tried unsuccessfully to unseat him. Stenzler has served in the post for the past five years.
Stenzler told the assembly that KKL-JNF is in the best financial shape it has ever been, with unprecedented fundraising of NIS 1.5 billion.
As expected, the assembly formally approved the appointment of Kadima MK Eli Aflalo as KKL-JNF honorary co-chairman and Gael Grunewald (World Mizrachi) and Menachem Leibovic (Arzenu) as deputy chairmen.
Aflalo will quit the Knesset following a meeting of the board of directors that will take place as early as Sunday.
He will be replaced in the Knesset by Avi Duan, a political ally of Kadima leadership candidate Shaul Mofaz.
Stenzler congratulated Aflalo and said he looked forward to working with him.
“We are starting fresh in cooperation on a mission – working for the good of the State of Israel,” Stenzler told the assembly.
“All our achievements are thanks to the dedicated staff of KKL-JNF. We will continue with them in our important Zionist work for Israel and Jews around the world.”