FORESTRY & ECOLOGY • WATE R • COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • SE C URITY

ANNUALREPORT

www.jnf.org

Jewish National Fund Headquarters 42 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 888.JNF.0099 or www.jnf.org

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EDUCATION • RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT • TOURISM&RECREATION A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT NF has numerous accomplishments for which it can be proud since it was created in 1901. While our mission states we are the caretakers of the land of - it is JNF, thanks to the vision of Jews Jscattered across the globe for over 2,000 years, that was responsible for the very existence of our JEWISHNATIONALFUND Homeland. The first dollars were donated to JNF in the United States from thousands of volunteers who collected money in JNF’s signature Blue Box in subway stations, door to door and in congregations. These funds allowed JNF to purchase land in what eventually became the State of Israel. is the caretaker of the land of Israel From the dollars raised here, hundreds of thousands of acres of land in Israel were reclaimed, millions of trees were planted, and housing was provided for new immigrants. Kibbutzim were opened. Over 1,000 new communities were created. Over 1,000 parks, playgrounds and recreation areas were built, many of on behalf of its owners them designed specifically to be accessible for the disabled. And in the last two decades, JNF has cleaned rivers and developed dams and reservoirs, increasing Israel’s water supply by over eight percent. — All of these accomplishments make me proud to be JNF’s President. This is an organization whose Jewish people everywhere. achievements touch the lives of every Jew, not only in Israel, but around the globe. No matter where the Jewish people live, the Jewish homeland is theirs. As Israel’s needs change, our vision and work continues. That is the JNF story. That is the story of the Jewish people. We have reshaped a century-young organization into a world-class fundraising mechanism. Our fiscal integrity is proven by consistently receiving excellent audits and by meeting the standards set by the Better Business Bureau. Elliot Spitzer, Attorney General for New York, has complimented us for our fiscal responsibility. Guidestar, a leading non-profit watchdog, recognizes us with three stars. Thanks to support from our dedicated lay leadership, JNF stands in the forefront of successful nonprofit organizations today. It has been quite a year here at JNF. Earlier, I stood in front of you and I threw out the challenge of Blueprint , our vision for the South of Israel. At the end of this campaign, we will finish with the largest campaign ever in the history of Jewish National Fund. Now, we need to do more than we ever thought possible. The Israeli Government, together with the people of Israel, recently challenged me to raise $500 million in the next ten years to fulfill Blueprint Negev. This may sound ambitious, but I am certain that together, we can realize this dream. Together, we have reinforced our vital role of connecting American Jews to the land and people of Israel. Together, through the generosity and dedication of our supporters, we are the 21st century pioneers of Israel. I am so honored to lead this organization and so proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to JNF and to Israel.

Ronald S. Lauder

JEWISHNATIONALFUND 1 CELEBRATINGOVERONEHUNDREDYEARS as Caretaker of the Land of Israel

t was the fourth day of the Fifth Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland in 1901. The delegates had spent the day debating a proposal for the establishment of a national fund to purchase land in Palestine. At the time, the proposal Ihad been received enthusiastically, though three congresses had passed without any practical decision being taken. At times it seemed that the dream of a Jewish state was destined to remain just that—only a dream. But Theodor Herzl was unwavering—it was time to take action, and he was determined that before the Congress came to an end, A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO a national fund would be established. The congress resolved that “the fund shall be the property of the Jewish people For over 2000 years, Jews wandered the world in exile, until JNF was able to help make the vision of as a whole,” and announced its first undertaking: the collection of £200,000. And with this, the dream of a Jewish a Jewish Homeland a reality. Fortunately we no longer have to fight for our existence, but we now state—a return to the homeland—became a reality. have an even greater responsibility -- to take care of our land and preserve it for its current and future citizens. In 1948, JNF brought 900,000 Jewish refugees to Israel. Since that time, JNF has helped bring millions of Jews from Africa and the former Soviet Union to Israel, where they can pursue a better life. Today, our challenge is to remain a true partner to Israel, to meet all of its needs as a growing modern nation. ecently, Jewish National Fund has taken on another major challenge: Building the Negev. We established the ambitious goal of building 25 new communities over the next few years. It is our RBlueprint Negevstrategic plan that will transform them into attractive and desirable places for people to call home. The Negev represents 60% of Israel’s land, yet only 8% of the population resides Over the next 50 years, Jewish National Fund, which became known as the central address for the land of Israel, there. Blueprint Negevputs forth a total community architecture that will not only build new towns purchased land that would one day become the State of Israel. Jews from around the world collected spare change in but also transform development towns that have been neglected for decades. tiny “Blue Boxes” so that one day a return to the homeland would be possible. The Blue Box itself came to be seen Thanks to the dedication of our supporters, I am proud to share with you what we have been able as a symbol of Zionism; the very act of collecting funds in a Blue Box was an expression of the irrevocable ties to accomplish to date. Already, seven new communities in the Negev have been established out of our between Diaspora Jewry and Eretz Yisrael. Alone, Jews could not attain their dream of a return to the homeland, goal of 25. Blueprint Negevhas dealt with job opportunities so that the families who live in these but together, through Jewish National Fund, they could build a national Fund. By the time Israel became a state in communities can thrive. JNF, together with OR, has established the Central Information Center, which 1948, JNF owned 13 percent of all the land of Israel (on which 80 percent of Israel’s population now lives). With gathers up-to-date data on communities, job opportunities, housing, and education. This information this ownership came the responsibility of transforming the land into a beautiful and fertile area that would be a center is helping to create new jobs, new perceptions, and a better image of the Negev. Already, we suitable home for the new state. have identified 960 new employment opportunities in the Negev. I am reminded of the story about a new immigrant from Europe who arrived in Israel was sent to the Negev. He started complaining to Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, “Mr. Prime Minister, how can this be the Promised Land? How can anybody say that this is the land that God gave us? In Europe, we had beautiful trees, lakes and rivers. But here, we have nothing but barren land and sand.” David Ben-Gurion looked at this individual and proudly stated: “Here in Israel, in the Negev, my son, God is allowing you to participate in His creation.” Today, we have the opportunity to be 21st century pioneers, and to be part of a nation under creation. We need to set our sights at raising $500 million for our campaign in the years ahead. This money is As the country grew, JNF evolved to address Israel’s most pressing needs, which have ranged from forestry & needed to keep our Negev Information and Employment Center functioning and growing, to bring new life to ecology, water, education, research & development, community development and tourism & recreation. Since these communities. 1901, Jewish National Fund has planted over 240 million trees, built over 180 dams and reservoirs, developed over When I meet with the mayors of these Negev towns, I tell them, “We are your partners.” 250,000 acres of land, provided infrastructure for more than 1,000 communities, created more than 1,000 parks It is not a mirage, it is our vision. And we have only just begun. and playgrounds and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment. Today, this is our challenge. Thank you for being a part of it. What does this mean for the average person? In Israel, it means that every Israeli benefits from the work of JNF. In the United States, it means that every one of JNF’s contributors has been given the gift of a direct link to the land of Israel. 2 JEWISHNATIONALFUND ANNUALREPORT 3 Russell F. Robinson FORESTRY & ECOLOGY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

JNF has planted more than 240 million trees since 1901 to JNF funded-researchers find solutions to the challenges presented protect the land, green the landscape and preserve vital by the Middle East’s arid environment. As a founding member of ecosystems. These trees, which cover more than 250,000 the International Arid Lands Consortium, JNF is at the forefront acres throughout Israel, of this critical global issue. In combat desertification and addition, breakthroughs in water- create a “green lung” around conservation technologies have cities. JNF is restoring non- enabled Israel’s farmers to stay productive agricultural lands competitive in world markets. that are challenging Israel’s And by sharing this cutting edge ability to be agriculturally technology with other countries, independent. Our experts JNF is helping improve the teach farmers to work in the desert using environmentally quality of life not only in Israel, but around the world. Working in friendly techniques developed in JNF research facilities. conjunction with other academic and scientific institutions, both Your contributions enhance Israel’s land productivity, protect in Israel and abroad, JNF is responsible today for funding all its environment and make the desert bloom. agricultural R & D stations throughout Israel.

WATER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Utilizing the most up to date water-conservation and Population density is placing undue strain on the public sectors harvesting techniques, JNF has been able to provide water for and environment of central Israel. Developing Israel's northern 1.2 million people all over Israel. As of now, JNF has built and southern regions, JNF is creating the infrastructure more than 180 reservoirs and necessary to create and support yet Israel still runs an annual entire communities. These deficit of almost 131 billion newly developed towns offer gallons. Israel simply requires opportunities for young more water for consumption families to grow and prosper. than its resources yield. The And with the principle of recently ended drought, the sustainable development, we’re worst in recorded history, not just teaching residents to still threatens Israel’s water resources, environment and build a new life, but an ecologically responsible life. quality of life. With your help, JNF can turn dry riverbeds Development costs are enormous, but by contributing to JNF into streams, junkyards into watering holes for not only the you can perpetuate the 2000 year-old Zionist dream of a people of Israel, but the land too. JNF’s water management thriving Jewish homeland. projects include reservoir and dam construction, water conservation, river rehabilitation and recycling.

4 JEWISHNATIONALFUND ANNUALREPORT 5 SECURITY TOURISM & RECREATION

JNF builds security roads along exposed borders, so children JNF has built over 1,000 parks, playgrounds and recreation and their parents can travel to school and work shielded from areas for enjoyment by Israeli families and tourists alike, as well harm. Security roads, such as those alongside the Gaza and as walking trails, archaeological restorations and facilities for Lebanese borders, offer more people with and without than just peace of mind to the disabilities. JNF also builds people of Israel who live each soldier/family picnic sites, day under a threat of attack. where the heroic men and Proper transportation networks women of the Israel Defense offer Israelis the ability to live Force can share precious time life as normally as possible. with their loved ones. Partners, Choosing to go the mall, take a such as the Society for bus, or meet friends at a café can become a life or death Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites, allow us make an even decision. To help counteract this tension, JNF also builds parks, greater impact on the land of Israel. And JNF-sponsored trips playgrounds and recreation areas where families can gather allow thousands of visitors to experience firsthand the wonders safely to enjoy a break from everyday anxiety. Through JNF’s of Israel and support its economy. work, there is hope for a safer Israel.

EDUCATION FOR OVER 100 YEARS WE’VE BUILT A NATION

For over a century, JNF has fulfilled its mandate to provide Help us assure Israel’s future Zionist education to Jewish children around the world–introducing them to the natural wonders of their for the next generation. homeland and the importance of protecting the environment. JNF-sponsored scholarships and programs, such as Caravan for Democracy, ensure the commitment to enhancing the land and preserving its resources is transmitted from generation to generation. Today we partner with over 1,700 schools across America, touching over 250,000 students. To learn more about our work in Israel, visit our website at www.jnf.org, or contact your local office at 888-JNF- 0099

6 JEWISHNATIONALFUND ANNUALREPORT 7 A message from Ronald S. Lauder Fund helps them finance the move. Bird watchers from around the world will flock Our involvement shows our partnership. to Israel, following the migrations of millions of Blueprint Negev builds on the extensive work birds, from world-class centers in Eilat, up to already achieved by KKL/JNF. Over 30 JNF Blueprint Negev answers the need for Jews in Lotan then north to the Hula Valley. reservoirs already in the Negev translate into the Diaspora looking to make aliyah the 10 billion gallons of water. In Beersheva, new pioneering way. Nefesh B’Nefesh has been housing and large parks are being built. very successful in bringing highly qualified Together with the Beersheva Foundation, North American immigrants to Israel, yet many KKL/JNF and the Or Movement are creating a settle in established communities, seeking an $300 million consortium of projects that will English-speaking population. We are working transform Beersheva into a bustling metropolis. with them to set up English-speaking communities in the Negev, such as Carmit, and JNF, together with the Or Movement, has allow the Diaspora Jew to change the quality of established the Negev Central Information life and image of the Negev. It doesn’t get Young families are calling the Negev home A little more than a year ago, Jewish National Center, which gathers up-to-date data on more pioneering than that. Fund embarked on a challenge, a long-term communities, job opportunities, housing, and vision: developing the Negev into a hospitable, education. Already, 10,000 names of Israelis At Ramon Air Force Base, whose home is already All of these are examples of our Negev Plan in habitable, profitable environment that would in the Negev, congregations across the U.S. are action, bringing people to the Negev, and become home to an additional 250,000 people. participating in a $10 million initiative to build a creating jobs that will transform the Negev central park with a 3,000-seat amphitheatre and into a desirable place to live. Our plan Blueprint Negev is not a mirage, it is recycled water reservoirs. If your congregation encompasses so many projects: building new a vision becoming a reality – with seven has not yet signed on, be a part of history. communities, revitalizing established towns new communities created, hundreds of and cities, bolstering services and families moved to the Negev, and new Together with Aleh Negev, we are building a opportunities throughout the region, job opportunities. 25-acre, world class, residential rehabilitative improving quality of life, and making all this village, to provide services to the entire Negev possible by building vital reservoirs. Singly, JNF’s Blueprint Negev initiative is essential to population which suffers from a tremendous they are just projects; together, they form a Carmit, a planned community for new immigrants Israel’s future. The Negev represents 60% of shortage of paramedical, therapeutic, and special vision. The Blueprint Negev vision. Israel’s landmass, but only 8% of its population interested in moving to the Negev are in our education services. The Aleh Negev project will lives there. Overcrowding and a strain on central database and we have identified 960 serve as home to more than 200 adults with Sincerely, resources in the center of the country – 92% of new employment opportunities in the Negev. disabilities – meeting their needs throughout Israel’s population resides on 40 % of Israel’s Today, our vision is turning into a reality. their lives – and will serve an additional 12,000 land – further underscore the importance of this disabled children and young adults each year as plan. Additionally, there are an estimated Blueprint Negev allows us to be 21st century outpatients. This project, situated near Ofaqim, 170,000 Bedouin in the Negev whose pioneers and to once again be part of a nation will bring 3,000 new jobs to the area. Ronald S. Lauder, population is expected to double in the next under creation. Twenty-five communities are President, Jewish National Fund seven years. But their educational and medical planned; seven are already established. Tourism, which will bring even more email: [email protected] standards are very low and unemployment Residents of Sansana, Harouv, Shomria, Givot employment opportunities, features heavily in hovers at 90%. Opening up the Negev Bar, Be’er Milka, , and , the our blueprint. Our plans include building a new P.S. To get a free DVD visit www.jnf.org/dvd economically will positively impact their future newly established communities, give testament bike path in the Southern Arava, with bike or to learn more visit www.jnf.org or call as well. This is a vision for all of Israel. to these ideals. Our Economic Development rental stations and refreshment centers. 888-JNF-0099.

8 JEWISHNATIONALFUND ANNUALREPORT 9 DONORSOCIETIES PLANNEDGIVING OPPORTUNITIES

t Jewish National Fund, we know that we could not have achieved over a century of success without your he Jews who will it shall achieve their help. Thanks to the dedication of our supporters, JNF’s campaign revenues continue to increase while own state,” wrote Theodore Herzl, the Aexpenses have decreased. This allows us to provide more money toward our mission to care for the land of “Tfounder of political Zionism. JNF Israel. JNF offers opportunities for giving to our annual campaign at all levels, from the planting of trees in Israel to Planned Giving programs are the most direct, the building of reservoirs in the Negev. You can also help Israel by volunteering in your community or by joining efficient, and financially sound methods to demonstrate your will to strengthen our Jewish one of JNF’s local or national committees or boards. homeland. They provide very special opportunities to make your mark on Jewish history, while JNF invites those who wish to make a very substantial impact in Israel to become members of JNF’s special granting you various estate and tax benefits. Donor Societies. The following donor societies are reserved for a select group of people who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to Israel and JNF. In exchange for their support, society members receive exclusive JNF’s experience with a wide variety of financial privileges and services. In addition to societies, JNF provides special certificates to honor our long-term 25 and vehicles is only matched by its knowledge of the land of Israel and its dedication to personal service. 50-year donors for their dedication, support, and devotion to JNF.

The World Chairman’s Council is reserved for a select $5,000 or more. Members are inducted into the Society Bequests: Fully tax-deductible estate gifts, such the Book of Life, a stunning enamel pin, and, at group of people who have demonstrated an enduring with a special pinning ceremony. Our goal is to as cash, securities, or real property, made through certain donation levels, a plaque in Israel and a commitment to Israel and JNF. With a lifetime strengthen our homeland, Israel. Together, we have a will in memory of a loved one. porcelain Tiffany & Co.Tzedakah Box. contribution of $1 million and above, World Chairman’s experienced the exhilaration and satisfaction of Charitable Remainder Trusts: A gift plan that Endowment Gifts: Endowment gifts are different Council members enjoy special privileges, such as preparing the land for generations to come, and the allows you to provide income to yourself or others than gifts to JNF’s annual campaign. The principal meetings with JNF President Ronald S. Lauder, briefings meaning of social responsibility to the land, the while making a generous gift to JNF. from the JNF Endowment Fund remains intact, providing a permanent source of funds. As the with Israeli government officials, and VIP missions to environment and the tenets of Judaism. Charitable Gift Annuities: In exchange for a gift Fund grows, the income it generates to fund Israel. of cash or securities, JNF will pay up to two projects grows as well. The Herzl Society of Jewish National Fund is annuitants of your choice a fixed sum for life. The Century Club is reserved for thos who have given reserved for select individuals who have demonstrated an Non-Grantor Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts: Life Insurance: A group of young donors have enduring commitment to Israel and JNF. An annual $100,000 and over during their lifetime. Century Club A gift plan that enables you to transfer assets to family recently started donating life insurance policies to contribution of $5,000 allows members to enjoy members attend special local briefings as well as national members at reduced tax cost while making a JNF. This is a great way to add to the future events with JNF President Ronald S. Lauder and privileges such as special briefings and mission subsidies. generous gift to JNF. prosperity of JNF and the land of Israel. members of other distinguished affinity groups. In Legacy Society: Donors who sign a letter of The President’s Council: Named in honor of the Donor Advised Funds: For as little as $10,000 addition, Century Club members receive a special intent and share with us a portion of their will or President of Israel, this Society recognizes donors who you can donate cash, stocks, bonds or mutual Tiffany Tzedakah box and Annual CEO updates. trust, or who name JNF as an irrevocable make an annual commitment of $10,000 or more to JNF. funds to establish a Donor Advised Fund. You will beneficiary of their life insurance policies or President’s Council members are invited to participate on receive a tax deduction for the full fair market The Sapphire Society is the women’s major gifts retirement plan assets, are eligible to join the JNF an exclusive annual President’s Council mission to Israel, value of your contribution and you can division of Jewish National Fund with an annual gift of Legacy Society. Members receive recognition in and will receive special Insider Briefings from the President recommend grants to JNF as well as other For more information visit www.jnf.org or call your local JNF office at 888.JNF.0099. For more information contact JNF’s award winning Planned Giving department at 800-562-7526 or email [email protected]

10 JEWISHNATIONALFUND ANNUALREPORT 11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President Adele Alterman Marcy Lefton Ronald S. Lauder Ted Banks Bud Levin Stan Baratz Judy Levin Chief Executive Officer Jerome Belson Jeffrey Levine Russell F. Robinson Jerry Berko Jamie Levine First Vice President Rabbi William Berkowitz Robert Levine Alan Dabrow Daisy Berman Seymour Lipton Marvin Birger Bonnie Lipton VICE PRESIDENTS Evelyn Blachor Dr. Sol Lizerbram Isaac Blachor Ronald Lubin Education Advisors Alan Blumenfeld David Margules, Esq. Robert B. Levine Jerome Belson Elliot Borkson Daniel Markind, Esq. Administration Shoshana Cardin Stephen Breslauer Marvin Markowitz Stanley Chesley Audrey Brooks Michael Miller Leonard L. Kleinman, Esq. Sam Delug Daniel D. Cantor Morton Mower Zone/Regional Operations Tony Gelbart Shoshana Cardin Toby Mower Andy Klein Terry Katz Stanley Chesley David Newman Ron Cohen Martin Oliner Governmental Operations Morton Mower, MD Gloria Cohen Toby Olken, Esq. Joseph Hess Marvin Markowitz Toby Mower Debbie Cohen Rabbi Robert Orkand Marketing Marlene E. Post Alan Dabrow Ronald Oxman Heidi Damsky Rita H. Salfeld Heidi Damsky Jay Pabian Rabbi Andrew Davids Lynne Palan Campaign Jay Schottenstein Mortimer Zuckerman Rabbi Stanley Davids Raymond M. Patt Bud Levin Jeffrey Davis Edward Paul Israel Relations SENIOR MANAGEMENT Sam Delug Nina Paul Isaac Blachor, Esq. Jack Dweck Seymour Persky BALANCE SHEET 2005 Charles Fax, Esq. Ruth Popkin Chief Executive Officer Community Relations Narda Forman Marlene Post Russell F. Robinson Stephen Wolnek David Frank Joyce Rabin STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 2005 Susan Fratkin David Radler Secretary Chief Operating Officer Daniel Markind, Esq. James Friedman Josh Resnick Harold Cohen Tony Gelbart Allen Ross, Esq. Treasurer Scott Gendell Tony Rubin Arthur Silber Chief Financial Officer Anne Goldman Joachim Rudoler Mitchel Rosenzweig Audit Robert R. Golub Larry Russ Jan Goren Melvin Salberg Stephen Hochberg Chief Israel Emissary Bruce Gould Rita H. Salfeld Investments Avinoam Binder Irene Hack Jan Schector Michael J. Wechsler Bob Harrisburg Steven M. Scheiner Executive Director Elissa Heilicher W. James Schiller College Activists for Major Gifts Joseph Hess Sylvia Schonfeld Dr. Sol Lizerbram Yael Septee Kane William Hess Jay Schottenstein Los Angeles Zone Stephen Hochberg Michael P. Schwartz JEWISH NATIONAL FUND David Frank Irwin Hochberg Evelyn Seelig AMESSAGEFROMOURTREASURER

Ruth B. Hurwitz Harold Shapiro • New York Zone Bruce Israel Arthur Silber Jeffrey E. Levine Charlotte Jacobson Barbara Spack Ex-Officio Michael Jacobson Evelyn G. Spritz JEWISH NATIONAL FUND • Sol Lizerbram, MD - Chair College Activist Moshe Kagan Martin Stein Melinda Wolf, MD - Vice Chair Israel Relations Bert Kahn Miles Sterling Carmela Kalmanson Rabbi Joseph Sternstein W. James Schiller - AZM Representative Deborah Kaplan Bernice Tannenbaum

Karen Cohen - Sapphire Society EXHIBITA Joel Kaplan Salomon Vaz Dias Scott Gendell - Assistant Secretary Ruth Kaslove Joan Wachstein Bruce Gould - Assistant Treasurer Terry Katz Michael Wechsler Honorary Presidents Jerry Kaufman Howard Weiss EXHIBITB Rabbi William Berkowitz Gene Kay Chuck Whitehill www.jnf.org Charlotte Jacobson Louis Kestenbaum Morrie Wiener Ruth W. Popkin Andrew Klein Robert Wigoda Rabbi Joseph P. Sternstein Morton A. Klein Sheila Wilensky For more information, please contact your local office at Leonard Kleinman, Esq. Melinda Wolf Honorary Vice President Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein Lawrence Wolk, Esq. 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org Avrum Chudnow Burt Kruglick Stephen Wolnek Vernon Kurtz Mortimer Zuckerman Ronald S. Lauder Theda Zuckerman To plant trees in Israel, please call 800-542-TREE (8733) Michael J. Lazar 12 JEWISHNATIONALFUND