Jewish National Fund

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) is a non-profit organization established in 1901 with the mission of supporting the land and people of Israel. Over the years, JNF has played a pivotal role in transforming Israel's landscape and infrastructure, contributing to its development and prosperity.

Historical Background

Founded at the Fifth World Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, JNF's primary objective was to purchase land in Palestine for Jewish settlement. The organization became a symbol of Zionist efforts, with its iconic blue charity boxes, known as "pushkes," distributed worldwide to raise funds for land acquisition and development projects.

By 2007, JNF owned approximately 13% of the land in Israel.

Key Achievements

• Afforestation: Planted over 250 million trees, transforming arid regions into green landscapes.
• Water Conservation: Constructed more than 200 dams and reservoirs, addressing water scarcity issues.
• Land Development: Developed over 250,000 acres of land, facilitating agricultural and residential growth.
• Community Building: Established over 1,000 parks and provided infrastructure for numerous communities across Israel.

Current Initiatives

• Desert Development: Through the "Blueprint Negev" initiative, which aims to revitalize and develop the Negev Desert, covering 60% of Israel's land but home to only 8% of its population. This 10-year, $600 million project seeks to attract new residents and industries.
• Water Solutions: Investing in water research and river rehabilitation projects to address scarcity.
• Zionist Education & Advocacy: Promoting education about Israel's history and Zionism through various programs and missions.
• Disabilities & Special Needs: Ensuring that parks and playgrounds are accessible to people with special needs.

Global Presence

JNF operates globally, with offices in major cities including:

• New York, NY, USA
• Boca Raton, FL, USA

These locations coordinate fundraising efforts, educational programs, and community engagement activities to support JNF's mission.

Through its comprehensive initiatives, the Jewish National Fund continues to play a crucial role in shaping Israel's future, fostering environmental sustainability, and strengthening bonds between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.