Richard Melson

December 2004

Jewish National Fund is the caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners - Jewish People everywhere.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2004

Herzl stood before the delegates and delivered a passionate plea for the immediate establishment of the fund: "After striving for so many years to set up the fund, we do not want to disperse again without having done anything."  His speech turned the delegates around, the motion passed and the congress resolved that a fund to be called Jewish National Fund (Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael) should be established, and that "the fund shall be the property of the Jewish people as a whole". JNF's first undertaking was the collection of £200,000.  One of the delegates immediately pledged £10 in memory of Zvi Hermann Schapira. Herzl made the second donation and his aide, the third. And with this, the dream of a national fund--and a Jewish Homeland--became a reality.

The shortage of water is probably the most crucial environmental problem facing Israel today. Israel's growing high-tech economy, expanding cities and vital agriculture sector all depend on water. Without water, all of Israel's dreams - realized and unrealized - will not survive or be fulfilled. JNF's water management projects - including reservoir and dam construction, water conservation, river rehabilitation and recycling - have added over 34.3 billion gallons to Israel's water resources, freeing up fresh water for over 1.2 million people. The ability to manage water resources can play an important role in Israel's capacity to co-exist peacefully with its neighbors. JNF's efforts have never been more critical to Israel's survival - and more needs to be done.

JNF has planted more than 240 million trees since 1901 to protect the land, green the landscape and preserve vital ecosystems. Through the generosity of donors like you, JNF continues this effort, planting seedlings, maintaining forest health, combating desertification, protecting watersheds and managing water flow.

For over a century, JNF has fulfilled its mandate to provide Zionist education to Jewish children around the world--introducing them to the natural wonders of their homeland and the importance of protecting the environment. JNF-sponsored scholarships and programs at the university level, such as Caravan for Democracy, ensure that the commitment to enhancing the land and preserving its resources is transmitted from generation to generation.

JNF builds the infrastructure necessary to create and support entire communities throughout Israel, with a major focus on developing Israel's southern region. As Israel's population expands, these newly developed towns offer opportunities for Israeli families. But development costs are enormous.

Through JNF's work, there is hope for a safer Israel. JNF builds security roads along the Lebanese border, so children and their parents can travel to school and work shielded from harm. Security roads offer more than just peace of mind. They offer Israelis the ability to live safely in their communities-- allowing them the freedom to travel, to shop, to live life as normally as possible. And JNF-built parks provide a place for families to gather and enjoy simple pleasures away from the stress of daily life.

As a founding member of the International Arid Lands Consortium, JNF is at the forefront of the critical global issue of sustainable development. JNF funded-researchers find solutions to the challenges presented by the Middle East's arid environment. Breakthroughs in water-conservation technologies have enabled Israel's farmers to stay competitive in world markets. And by sharing this cutting edge technology with other countries, JNF is helping to improve the quality of life not only in Israel but around the world.

JNF has built over 450 parks, playgrounds and recreation areas for enjoyment by Israeli families and tourists alike, as well as walking trails, archeological restorations and facilities for the physically challenged. JNF also builds soldier/family picnic sites, where the heroic men and women of the Israel Defense Force can share precious time with their loved ones. And JNF-sponsored trips allow thousands of visitors to experience firsthand the wonders of Israel and support its economy. Let us help you plan your trip to Israel today.