Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) opened its World Leadership and Marketing Conference in the Galilee this evening (Sunday, Oct. 18), bringing together about 100 leaders from KKL-JNF offices in 33 countries for five days of discussions, field visits, and activities focused on rehabilitating and shaping the future of northern Israel.
Since the beginning of 2026, KKL-JNF has approved a strategic development plan totaling approximately NIS 859 million ($286 million) for northern Israel. Its broader investments include hundreds of millions of shekels for infrastructure and public buildings, strengthening local communities, encouraging young families to move to the region, establishing educational and excellence centers, improving community protection, and providing direct assistance to residents of communities along the northern border.
Sagui Dekel Chen.
Photo: Gadi Siara
Throughout the conference, participants will take part in panel discussions addressing northern Israel's recovery efforts, climate preparedness as a driver of national resilience, educational initiatives in Jewish communities abroad, and environmental innovation. The panels will feature farmers, educators, high-tech entrepreneurs and family members of military reservists.
KKL-JNF leaders from around the world will also deliver special TED-style talks on Israel advocacy abroad, education in Jewish communities worldwide, the challenges facing Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism and effective ways to confront hatred.
The five-day program will include a volunteer day in communities along Israel's northern border, visits to rehabilitation and development projects, and meetings with residents, community leaders and local government officials. Participants will also tour KKL-JNF projects along the northern border and learn firsthand about efforts to restore forests damaged during the war.
The conference will conclude in Kiryat Shmona with a cornerstone-laying ceremony for a new KKL-JNF House of Excellence in the city.
Photo: Gadi Siara
The arrival of dozens of KKL-JNF leaders from around the world is particularly significant. Holding the conference in northern Israel reflects the organization's commitment to placing the region at the center of its international efforts. It will give participants the opportunity to see the needs and challenges on the ground firsthand, while strengthening cooperation among KKL-JNF in Israel, its offices worldwide, and local authorities to advance long-term development and recovery projects.
President Isaac Herzog: “In the long, dark shadow of October 7 and many months of war on Israel’s northern border, so much was lost. Vast areas of forest burned. Families were evacuated from their homes. Towns were emptied. And an entire region once vibrant, vital, flourishing, grew silent. Recovering requires not only hands ready to plant and build, but human hearts that know deeply that rebuilding is possible.
In the wake of October 7, KKL-JNF mobilized enormous resources to aid this process of recovery and rebuilding. Today, in this unique and beautiful region, communities have begun to re-assemble; farms are producing again; businesses are re-opening their doors. None of this is a given. It is a choice. A choice to keep coming back."
Eyal Ostrinsky, World Chairman of KKL-JNF: “KKL-JNF has been at the forefront of Zionist efforts since its founding, and it will continue to lead them in the years ahead. Our mission is far from complete. Over the past year, KKL-JNF has demonstrated just how vital and relevant its work remains.
This conference reflects the strength of the partnership and the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities around the world, as well as our shared commitment to turning the Zionist vision into meaningful action on the ground.
We will continue to stand alongside the residents of northern and southern Israel, invest in rebuilding areas affected by the war, and work not only to bring residents back to their homes but also to create new opportunities for them. Our goal is not simply to restore what was lost, but to work together with local residents to build a better future by strengthening communities, investing in education and infrastructure, and promoting long-term growth.
At KKL-JNF, we will continue to develop the land and protect its forests and natural resources, guided by our commitment to the future of the State of Israel and generations to come.”
Photo: Gadi Siara