The projects and fields of activity highlighted in the film included
establishing communities in the Negev, preparing land for agriculture, paving security access roads, green family meeting corners on Israeli army bases, joint activities for Jews and Arabs,
making nature sites accessible for people with special needs,
Zionist and environmental education, KKL-JNF Houses to help youth in outlying communities excel,
Field and Forest Centers for activities in nature, afforestation, combatting desertification, developing water sources, agricultural research and development, parks and green lungs, tourist sites, and more.
A professional panel answered participants’ questions on of the various projects. Panel participants included KKL-JNF Land Development Authority Director
Yaron Ohiyon; Attorney-at-law
Shoshi Taragin, who represented the Legal Department; Resources and Development Representative
Moshe Iluz; KKL-JNF Planning Department Director
Anat Gold.
Ohiyon described the process of carry out a new project, from the initial idea stage until completion: programs, conceptual planning, detailed plans and receiving permits. After about a year, a tender can be issued and implementation can begin. Work can go on for as long as a year and a half, depending on the project’s complexity.
In response to a question regarding donations, Taragin explained that a full contribution for a project can be given based on the decision of the donor, or by choosing from the projects proposed by KKL-JNF and then being granted KKL-JNF participation in financing.
Answering a question on the subject of
afforestation, Gold said that although there were no more new areas for afforestation left in Israel, KKL-JNF continues to rehabilitate forests and to create parks in Israel’s cities.
Yishai Harmati, KKL-JNF emissary to Switzerland, suggested directing efforts to hi-tech, for example, in the fields of agriculture and water. KKL Sweden President
Max Federmann remarked that it’s important for KKL-JNF to distinguish itself from other organizations. KKL Colombia Director
Rosita Dargoltz noted that in Columbia, people see contributing for Israeli soldiers as especially important. Moshe Iluz briefly explained the procedure of contributing for soldiers.
Sofía Dulcini, Director of Education and Volunteering for KKL Uruguay, brought up the need to assist in promoting local educational projects in her country.
KKL Italy President
Sergio Castelbolognesi noted that in Italy, it is permitted to raise funds only for green projects, but on the other hand, many donors are attracted specifically to the field of special needs. His question was whether it was possible to combine the two. Anat Gold answered that all KKL-JNF projects are accessible to the general public, including people with special needs, so there are projects that combine the two fields.
KKL Mexico President
Daniel Shor remarked that the best way to enlist support is to bring people to Israel, both Jews and non-Jews, and he asked if there were any plans for this. Moshe Iluz noted that KKL-JNF has a special department for this, and many delegations from all over the world do indeed visit Israel.
The Mexican representative mentioned an idea to make a connection between children from Mexico and Israeli children, and asked for assistance in locating an Israeli school suitable for Jewish cooperation.
Yael Shapiro, President of KKL Columbia, asked how KKL-JNF promotes projects related to sharing knowledge. Yaron Ohiyon mentioned that there are many KKL-JNF professional delegations that promote joint collaborations throughout the world. He noted that only three days ago, a delegation on agricultural development returned from Kenya.
Empowering Youth in Israel’s Periphery to Excel
The KKL-JNF House project, a series of cutting-edge educational centers in the Negev and Galilee, will encourage academic excellence and help close the gaps between Israel’s outlying and central regions. The
first house has been built in Upper Nazareth, and in the future, the plan is to build another ten houses throughout the country. These educational centers will advance young leadership and promote educational achievements.
“We believe that every child has the potential to be an achiever,” said
Avi Musan, KKL-JNF Houses Director. “In the future, people from Israel’s center will want to copy what we’re doing in the periphery.”
“The KKL-JNF House has catalyzed a change in the entire city [Upper Nazareth]. We encourage the students to study and to learn,” said
Omer Harpaz, director of the KKL-JNF House in Nazareth Ilit.
In a panel at the ninth KKL-JNF World Leadership Conference, three young people relayed their experiences of KKL-JNF House:
Noa,
Iris and
Nikita. Noa spoke about how she improved her grades in chemistry thanks to activities at the KKL-JNF House: “I feel like people are investing in us,” Nikita said with appreciation. Iris added: “This place gives me motivation to learn, and my grades in all the different subjects have improved.”
Ruti Tennenbaum of from KKL Guatemala, who herself was born in Upper Nazareth, expressed her excitement about the project and wished the youth much success.