In Touch Quarter 3 - 2014

Introducing the Jewish National Fund
Find out how JNF UK are turning the Negev green to secure a
brighter future for Israel.
Founded in 1901 at the Fifth Zionist Congress at the
initiative of Theodore Herzl, JNF’s purpose was
to act as a central fund to enable Jews across the
earth to play their part in rebuilding an independent
Jewish State in the land of Israel after nearly 2,000 years
of exile.
When the State of Israel was finally declared in 1948,
JNF’s work continued apace. Today much of their work
is inspired by the strong vision of Israel’s first Prime
Minister Ben Gurion to transform the Negev.
The Negev is a strategic asset to Israel, taking up
60% of the land area and yet only 8% of the country’s
population, so in order to attract more people to the
region, communities, infrastructures and facilities must
be established.
Ben Gurion’s words were powerful and relevant when
he described that it is in the Negev that the people of
Israel will be tested, in terms of creativity, youth, and a
united volunteering people. Since that speech, time has
only reinforced the power and meaning of his vision.
JNF UK responded to the creativity challenge
with the installation of enchanting promenades
and playgrounds, like the one in the town of Sderot,
situated on the border with Gaza, which helps children
escape the stark reality of living under the constant
threat of rocket fire. The Charity also had the creativity
and vision to support the awakening of international
companies that are moving south from their glossy Tel
Aviv offices, expanding their rich talent pools in the
region.
JNF UK’s work is heavily focused on youth, including
student enterprise and innovation initiatives, such as
the Ayalim Association in Arad; the establishment of an
Early Childhood Centre in Yerucham; and investment
in Derech Eretz, a volunteer-driven pre-army youth
programme which is a cutting-edge model of education
and environmental conservation in the heart of the
Negev. These projects are where the next generation
learns resilience and verve; fosters a sense of purpose
and brings alive the original pioneering spirit that
brought Israel to the Independent State it is today.
The Charity engenders a strong sense of unity
and solidarity through the support of volunteering
programmes such as Hashomer Hachadash (The New
Guardians), which sees people from around the world
and from other parts of Israel join together to dedicate
their personal time to stand guard at night to protect
farmers’ precious livestock from criminal attacks. It’s
also evident in the thousands of tourists who visit the
towns and generate international support through first
hand story-telling.
For more information, please visit: www.jnf.co.uk
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