The KKL- JNF Board of Directors, led by Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, and the professional management team, toured today in the communities in the Gaza envelope and in nearby towns.
During the tour, the delegation visited Ashkelon, Sderot, and Ofakim. Afterwards, they held a meeting at KKL-JNF's offices in Gilat with the heads of the regional councils Hof Ashkelon, Merhavim, Sdot Negev, Sha'ar Hanegev, and Eshkol.
During the tour, KKL-JNF members received briefings from the mayors and heads of the regional councils, regarding the situation in their communities, since the outburst of the war and about the challenges that residents of these communities are facing.
The heads of the regional councils expressed warm appreciation to KKL-JNF for its rapid mobilizing to support the communities and the residents of the south, and noted that KKL-JNF is the only organization that has already provided funds to the authorities for immediate assistance in the fields of security and aid for residents. They also highlighted that thanks to KKL-JNF, they were able to initiate actions for initial recovery.
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, said during the tour: "In 1946, 11 points were established in the Western Negev as part of the operations of the national institutions, including KKL-JNF. These are places like Be'eri, Urim, and Nirim. These are the communities that are affected these days, along with other communities in the area. We are facing a painful cycle, but it is our responsibility to rebuild these communities. These are days when the pages of Israel's history are being written, just like the wars of previous generations. It is a battle for our homeland. The national institutions, and particular, KKL-JNF have a historical role as the continuers of the path of the founders of the country to lead the rebirth of the Western Negev."
Ovadia-Luski also added, "Following what we heard today about the needs of these communities, we will formulate a strategic plan for the entire region and restore the land to be flourishing and prosperous."
Additionally, the KKL-JNF Board of Directors approved today the transfer of 17 million NIS to the communities along the conflict line in the north for the strengthening of alert teams.
According to KKL-JNF's decision, every community defined by the Ministry of Defense as a 'border community' and a 'conflict line' will receive assistance amounting to 200,000 NIS for the purpose of equipping alert teams".