Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund has been instrumental to the life and development of the State of Israel since before its establishment. As Israel grapples with one of the deepest crises in its 75 years of history, KKL-JNF once again finds itself fulfilling a crucial role in supporting people in need from north to south.
"During the war, KKL-JNF helps the public in need,” highlighted KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski. “In the spirit of volunteering and patriotism, we all come together to make things easier for the residents of the Gaza Envelope, the soldiers, and members of the security forces."
These are some of the initiatives spearheaded or supported by KKL-JNF:
Helping the residents of the south
KKL-JNF has invested millions of shekels in helping the residents of the south.
Among others, the organization has opened its Forest and Field Centers and other structures to house the survivors and displaced Israelis.
Members of the KKL-JNF have worked to provide clothing and other essential items for the residents of the Gaza Envelope living in hotels across Israel. KKL-JNF has also been organizing recreational activities for the evacuated children.
In addition, the teenagers who are part of the "Plant Together" program have been assisting during animal therapy sessions for residents of the Gaza Envelope, and with respite activities for the evacuees and the wounded in hospitals.
Helping Israeli farmers
A few weeks ago, KKL-JNF launched "Working hands," an initiative in cooperation with the pre-military academies to bring volunteers to work in the agriculture sector, which has been hit very hard by the war.
“Israeli farmers need our help and we have set out for the mission,” said Ovadia-Luski. “Many of them and their workers were murdered, kidnapped or injured and their communities were evacuated. Together with the wonderful trainees of the pre-military preparatory academies, the KKL-JNF is standing up to help the farmers of the country and provide them with the working hands that they need so much at this time.”
Supporting soldiers
Teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds who are part of the KKL-JNF's "Plant Together" program have distributed tens of thousands of meals to members of the security forces throughout the country.
Since the start of the war, the boys, aged 14-18, have been visiting army bases from the Hermon in the north to Eilat in the south.
KKL-JNF has also been providing members of the security forces with essential equipment.
Helping people with disabilities
KKL-JNF has organized a series of lectures in protected housing facilities for people with special needs, who cannot leave their homes due to the fighting.
The organization has also distributed experiential kits and board games produced by KKL-JNF, and its members have been running several activities for this vulnerable population.
Upgrading shelters in northern Israel
KKL-JNF has been working on mapping and renovating thousands of public shelters in underprivileged neighborhoods in 18 cities in northern Israel. The goal is to provide every child and adult in the region with a shelter that is both safe and dignified.
Preserving the unique environment of the Golan Heights
Seeds of Hope, a collaborative initiative by KKL-JNF and the Shamir Research Institute for Science, focuses on preserving nature and fostering a sense of belonging to nature and the environment. This initiative invites members of the Golan Heights communities to actively participate in the preservation and distribution of rare wild plants indigenous to the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon region.
Many vital projects have been made possible thanks to the support of KKL-JNF friends worldwide. To donate to KKL-JNF and support the Sderot International Resilience Complex, as well as many other initiatives to help Israelis in need and soldiers, click here.
This article was written in cooperation with KKL-JNF.