KKL-JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler and World Co-Chairman Eli Aflalo presented a Golden Book certificate to Dr. Frederic Nordmann, in recognition of the conclusion of his service as President of KKL-JNF France and of his new position as Honorary President. The two officers thanked Dr. Nordmann for his many years of work for KKL-JNF and for the State of Israel. Dr. Nordmann declared, “I am a volunteer, I was a volunteer, and I will be a volunteer,” and he promised to continue working for KKL-JNF and for the State of Israel.

Arther Plotke, President of KKL-JNF Switzerland, spoke about the need to work for a better future—to develop communities, to preserve the forests and to support the water economy in Israel. Plotke emphasized the importance of utilizing new tools, such as social networks and effective websites, in order to maintain contact with the public. Plotke also spoke about the importance of strengthening the connection with the younger generation.

In his address, KKL-JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler spoke about the importance of the Negev and the Galilee in the work of KKL-JNF. He mentioned the contribution of friends of KKL-JNF throughout the world in establishing the Nahal Beersheba Park and many green projects in the Negev.

Co-Chairman Eli Aflalo said that working at KKL-JNF gives him a sense of closure, since he was raised on contributing to the blue box, and today he knows where all those contributions go. Aflalo reinforced what Stenzler had said and spoke about the five year program to develop the Negev and the Galilee. He praised the young people of the OR Movement, who are doing the sacred work of settling the Negev and the Galilee.

Beni Bloch, President of KKL-JNF Germany closed the first part of the session and said that he is proud to be a member of the KKL-JNF family. Bloch noted that the Jewish community in Germany is the third largest in Europe, numbering 110,000, and he said that promoting youth and education is very important.