From one Congress to the Next | 2010-2015 KKL-JNF Activity Report for the Members of the 37th Congress From one Congress to the Next 2010-2015

KKL-JNF Activity Report for the Members of the 37th Congress index

Index

From One Congress to the Next 2010-2015...... 5

KKL-JNF Facts and Numbers...... 7

Changes and transformations...... 8

Land Development Division...... 11

A. Afforestation...... 11

B. Land Development Enterprises...... 11

C. The Chief Scientist...... 15

D. Community and Forest...... 15

Fundraising...... 17

Education and Youth...... 19

The Real Estate Division...... 20

The Economic Development Division...... 21

Finances and Economics...... 21

Media and Public Relations...... 23

Human Resources...... 24

3 From One Congress to the Next 2010-2015 Introduction

Dear Members of the Congress,

Welcome to the 37th Zionist Congress of the Jewish People. mobilized to cope with the water crisis The KKL-JNF was established at the fifth challenging Israel through the construction Zionist Congress and has worked since the of water reservoirs for agriculture as well day of its inception to fulfill Herzl’s vision, who as combatting desertification. As of the said: “…Were I to sum up the Basel Congress mid-2000s, the KKL-JNF has increased in a word – which I shall guard against its activities in the fields of research pronouncing publicly – it would be this: At and development, primarily through the agricultural research stations. Basel I founded the Jewish State. If I said this out loud today l would be greeted by universal This is Zionism at its best. These are the laughter. In five years perhaps, and certainly in measures that expressed – through actions fifty years, everyone will know it…” – the intentions and objectives of the nation’s leaders in each and every period. Just as it is With the establishment of the Jewish National today. In this manner and every five years, the Fund as the executive arm intended to realize KKL-JNF expands the spectrum of its works this vision, the Fund began to purchase and adjusts its objectives to the objectives and lands and plant groves and forests. In decisions of the Jewish Congress as well as to the first decade of its existence, the Fund the objectives and needs of the State of Israel. greatly assisted in the establishment of the We must therefore view the reopening of the first Hebrew city – Tel Aviv. Even during the covenant between the State of Israel and the period of the Riots, the JNF was designated KKL-JNF for discussion in this context. We are an important and significant role in purchasing pleased to inform you that a new outline for lands and establishing settlements in strategic joint activities between the KKL-JNF and the areas which helped in increasing security Government of Israel has just recently been and strengthened the political position of the set, which the government has approved Yishuv prior to the debates on the Partition of and which suits the needs of the time and the Mandatory Palestine. objectives of the State and the KKL-JNF. We view this covenant as a continuation of the With the establishment of the state, David Ben chain of Zionist activities that the KKL-JNF Gurion coined the phrase: “The state is not the has expressed in its activities throughout the end in and of itself – it is a means to an end generations, while expanding the cooperation – the goal of Zionism”. These words quickly between the State and the KKL-JNF – which became a reality via the Jewish National Fund, represents all of the Jewish people – in the which had expanded its operations, mobilized coming years as well. its resources and fully committed itself to achieving the new goals of the young state. We can see a current example of the most impressive product of the cooperation between In 1961, the KKL-JNF signed a covenant with the state and the KKL-JNF in the combination of the Government of Israel. Within the framework forces that led to setting up the Israeli Pavilion of this covenant, management of KKL-JNF at the Milan Expo. The Israeli pavilion, which lands was transferred to the government and enjoyed a great deal of KKL-JNF support in the primary functions of the KKL-JNF were resources and content, presented the beautiful defined, i.e. development and preparation of face and the tremendous achievements of the the land and the handling of state forests. “The State of Israel in the field of agriculture, the land is not being sold; rather it is only being environment, technology and green energy, to leased… in order to prevent the concentration over 2,000,000 visitors from around the world. of land in the hands of individuals.” This joint public diplomacy activity, which created an enormous international and media In the early 2000s, the JNF’s missions were resonance, placed the Israeli pavilion among redefined. Among other things, it had the five most well considered pavilions in the

4 5 world and put the State of Israel on the world UN and the European Union, forging new stage it deserves. relationships and continuing our partnership Facts and Numbers with green organizations in Israel and the world The report hereby presented to you expresses in order to maintain the KKL-JNF’s position as Facts and Numbers the key achievements and accomplishments the world’s largest Jewish green organization. in the KKL-JNF’s many and varied areas of Execution of development enterprises | NIS 1,202.9 million Hosting donor delegations | 407 delegations activity for the benefit of the people of Israel In addition, it should be emphasized that the and the State of Israel. KKL-JNF itself is also undergoing renewal and Even during these years, the KKL-JNF has reorganization processes at present, intended integrated into new Zionist realms, maintained to enhance its activity and adjust it to the new constant relevance and tightened the bond era we live in – An era of transparency. For Execution of afforestation work | NIS 724.3 million Ceremonies for donors | 3,904 of many Jews around the world to its Zionist instance, the KKL-JNF at present is already activities and to the Land of Israel. Among acting to set high standards and high quality other things, we can point to a series of of work like never before. actions, including: Defining more efficient In summary, we wish to use this opportunity coordination mechanisms with the State and to say that the support of our friends in Israel with the KKL-JNF offices abroad – in order New planting areas | 54,000 dunams Surfers on KKL-JNF websites | 10,615,963 and the world continues to warm our hearts. to increase the Diaspora Jews’ identification The moral force is what drives us to continue with Israel and increase the involvement to create, develop and innovate. We thank our of young leaders; Safeguarding the image friends in Israel and the Diaspora, the Board of of the KKL-JNF against manifestations of Directors, the Management and the dedicated antisemitism directed at KKL-JNF offices New water reservoirs | 30 (at a volume of 23 million cu. m.) Hosting heads of state and leaders | 80 employees who go to work every day to make and the State of Israel throughout the world; the State of Israel a place we would want to live Increasing cooperation with foreign countries in as well as prepare the infrastructure for the and international organizations, such as the Jewish people, who shall continue to arrive in Israel and settle it. Applicable forest research in Israel and the world | 180 Mobile shelters donated during Protective Edge Operation | 209

We wish all of the delegates, years of successful and productive activities. Registrations in Books of Honor | 17,700 Number of participants in activities of the Education Department | 1,711,690

Donors around the world | 900,000 Settlements established | 8 Eli Aflalo Efi Stenzler KKL-JNF Co-Chairman KKL-JNF World Chairman

The total donations raised | NIS 665.8 million Establishing of green classrooms in schools | 430

Gael Grunewald Meir Shpigler Menachem Leibovic Vice Chairman of the Board General Manager Deputy Chairman Number of projects carried out on the basis of contributions | 665 Number of new fire trucks purchased | 8

Number of firebreaks that were paved near communities for fire prevention | 170 Increase in cash flow | 253%

Number of new Immigrants who immigrated through KKLJNF partners and with its support New biking trails | 1,000 Km 25,494 (7,385 of which were settled in the Negev and Galilee)

6 7 Changes and Transformations KKL-JNF Signs a New Covenant with the State Changes and Transformations Over the last five years, the Jewish National The KKL-JNF shall be required, inter alia, Another historical upheaval that occurred covenant, the KKL-JNF shall assist the state Fund has undergone changes and to deliver annual financial statements to the during this period was the KKL-JNF’s in the execution of joint national projects, and transformations, which have had a decisive Registrar of Endowments and it shall limit the announcement that it would not renew the shall fund them on the basis of its income from impact upon the structure of the organization remuneration and reimbursement of expenses covenant with the Government of Israel from its real estate transactions. These projects shall and its function. of the Board of Directors. 1961. In accordance with this covenant, be added to the wonderful projects carried out KKL-JNF transferred management of its JNF Becomes a PBC – It is important to note that years before it by KKL-JNF with the support of the donors and lands to the Israel Land Administration, which Public Benefit Company was declared a PBC, the KKL-JNF operated the offices overseas. As part of this covenant, represents the government; KKL-JNF for its independently to create a completely the KKL-JNF’s independence was recognized On 1st of September 2015, JNF registered part, undertook to deal with the preparation transparent organization. The JNF applied and it will continue to operate in accordance at the Ministry of Justice as a Public Benefit and development of the land. Each party was to itself the spirit of the Tenders Laws and its with its own policy, objectives and goals. Company (PBC). Despite the KKL-JNF being supposed to bear the costs of the management Regulations, including those regarding public a company of the Jewish People, it acceded to and development of its areas of responsibility. Strengthening the Audit Institutions tenders. Joint enterprises and exemptions the request of the State as it favorably viewed The covenant also stipulated that KKL-JNF from tenders are announced publically. The Another significant change initiated by the issue of additional auditing that had been would not bear the operating costs of the Israel JNF publishes its balances and budget on the KKL-JNF during the last term was its the primary motive for the move. Land Administration, except the costs derived its website, which also includes an active relationship to the State Comptroller. The KKL- from managing its lands alone. The covenant KKL-JNF did not object to being defined web page for public inquiries. Any procedure JNF invited the State Comptroller to come and is supposed to be renewed every five years, legally as a PBC and did not seek to prevent its for the approval and execution of projects is audit its activities on two occasions. On the unless either party announces its non-renewal registration as a PBC. However, it did seek to fit discussed in a forum of 30 people, which is first occasion, following the Mount Carmel six months prior to its expiry date. the provisions of the law to its character, since called the Supreme Projects Committee (in Forest Fire (December 2010), the KKLJNF its registration as a PBC under the current the past, a more exclusive committee existed, The Government of Israel did not meet its called upon the Comptroller to examine its wording of the law could compromise its ability one headed by the General Manager). The obligations, causing the KKL-JNF expenses responsibility and preparedness for an event to mobilize resources, the confidentiality of its data is fed into a computerized system and totaling billions of NIS. Consequently, the such as this. The second occasion was in April donors, the status of its offices abroad and its the decisions are made after an orderly KKL-JNF Board of Directors instructed 2014, when the Board of Directors requested regular activities. process, and are based upon detailed the professional teams to examine the that the state audit be applied to all the areas The law also stipulates that an external recommendations by professionals. The KKL- implications of non-renewal of the covenant outlined by the executive management in auditing committee would be appointed to the JNF also appointed a Board Audit Committee, and to prepare a contingency plan for a manner that would not impair its statutory KKL-JNF, being a Public Benefit Company, which was replaced by an audit committee the independent management of KKL- status, its ability to act to fulfill its goals and and indeed such a committee was appointed, staffed by external personnel, in accordance JNF lands. After conducting extensive its capacity to mobilize donations abroad, headed by two retired district judges and with the stipulations of the Public Benefit administrative work, which included whether directly or via the KKL-JNF offices. with a CPA as a member. The KKL-JNF Company Law. This trend is expected to internal and external professionals, the The State Comptroller is currently conducting shall be obligated to report to the Registrar intensify in future, following the decision of the Board of Directors unanimously decided an in-depth and comprehensive audit on the of Endowments certain transactions, such Board of Directors. Projects shall be approved not to renew the covenant any longer. issue of the covenant signed by the State of as transactions with Zionist organizations, after a “Call for Proposals” procedure and the This decision was approved by the Zionist Israel and the KKL-JNF. religious denominations, the World Zionist KKL-JNF shall publicize financial support and Executive and presented to the General Organization and the Jewish Agency. budgeting on its behalf. Meeting of the KKL-JNF. The KKL-JNF In August-October 2014, during the Board of Directors notified the Government proceedings to approve the annual budget of of Israel at that time of the non-renewal of the State of Israel, bureaucratic and ministerial the covenant and repeatedly called upon personnel within the government attempted to the Government of Israel to act responsibly, seize KKL-JNF assets and nationalize them, in transfer management of its land to the KKL- order to use them to reduce the deficit in the JNF in an orderly fashion and regularize it in State budget. This personnel claimed that the legislation, but had received no reply. lands owned by the KKL-JNF, in the name and on behalf of the Jewish people in Israel and in It was only in July 2015, after the formation of the diaspora, belong to the Israeli public. In their the 34th Government, that the government view, the government may impose a special and appointed the Environmental Protection unique tax upon the KKL-JNF, force it to carry Minister, Mr. Avi Gabbay, to regularize its out government projects and seize its de facto relationship with the KKL-JNF. The minister income. The KKL-JNF prepared legal appeals asked that the effect of the covenant be against this initiative and did everything it could extended by an additional month in order to to have it cancelled. Eventually, due to the study the issue and exhaust all negotiation dissolution of the government, the initiative was options with the KKL-JNF. The KKL-JNF Board removed from the public agenda, but was raised of Directors consented to the request. again during the new government’s discussions In addition, the heads of the KKL-JNF worked on the State budget. The KKL-JNF continues to to achieve an agreement with the state, and a act on all fronts to protect its independence and renewed covenant between the KKL-JNF and the interests and assets of the Jewish people, the State has lately been signed. Under this which were given to the KKL-JNF as a trustee.

8 9 Land Development Division Land Development Division A. Afforestation

Tree Plantings – Forests in Israel cover more over 180 applicative studies in cooperation than a million dunams. During the last four with the finest researchers and the leading years, approximately 54,000 dunams of forests academic institutions in Israel. The studies, were planted. Extensive areas were planted, among other things, dealt with the fields of mainly in southern Israel, in order to protect afforestation, grazing, ecology, disease and the state lands from invasions and trespassing. pest control, improvement of forest trees, Forest Maintenance – During the period of combating desertification and preparing for the report, the Department has strengthened changes in climate. Applying these studies in the infrastructure of the vacation venues, the forestry lands, will promote sustainable and roads, signage and sites visited by the public, optimal management of the natural resources while emphasizing safety aspects. In the area that are under the KKL-JNF’s responsibility of accessibility, ongoing activity took place for and management. the maintenance and upgrading of KKL-JNF Long Term Monitoring and Remote sites, including forest roads, the signage and Sensing – Through a recently assimilated and mapping system, picnic areas, observation points and hiking trails for pedestrians and innovative technology, the JNF conducts long cyclists. term monitoring and tracking of the dynamic in its forests. The monitoring data serves as a tool The Mount Carmel Forest Fire – Five years for optimal and sustainable management of after the fire broke out on Mount Carmel the forests. The monitoring is conducted over (December 2010), the KKL-JNF has completed 800 fixed plots, 240 of which are monitored by its operations to restore the burnt areas under remote sensing. its management. KKL-JNF foresters cut down and cleared out the burnt trees in an area of B. Land Development Enterprises approximately 3,600 dunams, restored ancient terraces and planted garden trees on an area Name of the Field Total Execution of approximately 160 dunams. (in Million NIS) As part of the lessons learned from the Carmel fire, the KKL-JNF established in the Agricultural training 89.7 areas under its management, more than 170 Economic 2.7 firebreaks around settlements and facilities. Infrastructure The firebreaks separate dense forests and groves from built areas and roads. Creating Neighborhood 95.2 firebreaks allows the firefighting and rescue Infrastructure forces to operate safely and efficiently. To further battle the fires, KKL-JNF has purchased Roads / Highways 190.5 eight new fire trucks that are highly traversable over forest roads as well as advanced Recreation and 457.3 designated firefighting equipment. tourism

Operation “Protective Edge” – During Drainage 76.3 Operation “Protective Edge” (July-August 2014), the forested areas surrounding Gaza Reservoirs 159.1 served the IDF forces as staging areas and provided the fighters with shade during the hot Land Development 33.6 summer months. The activities of the forces Administration damaged the forest roads and recreational studies including sites, and the KKL-JNF is working to repair forest and donated the damages. At the request of the IDF and forest studies and the Ministry of Defense, security afforestation efforts were renewed around the settlements Participation in R&D 98.5 surrounding Gaza and along the roads exposed to directly aimed fire. Total Execution 1,202.9 of Developmental Afforestation and Ecology Research and Enterprises Development – KKL-JNF has conducted 10 11 Land Development Division

Agricultural and Neighborhood Infrastructure Agricultural Security 70 km Roads During the last term, JNF continued with the Recreational and tourism initiatives were The Botanical Garden in the Ilanot preparation of lands for agriculture and the Security Roads 50 km also established in afforestation areas, Arboretum – This wonderful park, covering development of settlements, especially in the including the Jerusalem Metropolitan Park, about 130 dunams, initially served as Negev and Galilee. The Land Development Emek HaTkhelet Park, Park HaYarden and a research site used by the Ministry of Administration regions prepared the ground Restoration of 350 km the Forest Promenade in Yokne'am Illit. Agriculture for examining the compatibility for the establishment of settlements such roads damaged in of trees from around the world with the Israeli as: Karmit, Shlomit and Shavei Darom, and Operation Protective In recent years, the KKL-JNF established soil and climate. Due to a budget shortage, conducted many agricultural preparations for Edge appreciation centers in the Forests of Ofer, the Ministry of Agriculture abandoned the settlements such as: Natur, Kanaf and Avnei Shorashim, Lavi, Biriya and in Hula Lake, site, which had deteriorated over time. Eitan in the Golan. The dedicated workers Scenic and Forest 140 km constructed bird’s eye lookouts named for In 2013, theKKL- JNF took upon itself the of the KKL-JNF engaged in landscape Roads the fallen of the Second Lebanon War and restoration of the arboretum, making it development and improving the quality of additional lookouts such as the Oron Shaul accessible to people with disabilities and life in the southern settlements – Naveh, Municipal Parks 66 Lookout, the Lookout named for Amnon cultivating the trees. The arboretum is Bnei Netzarim, Shomria, Eliav and Neta, with Lipkin-Shahak (the 15th IDF Chief of Staff) thriving and prosperous and an advanced an overall investment totaling about NIS 20 and the Lookout named for Liran Saadia. interactive system that includes games and million. They worked to expand settlements Parks, Recreation and Tourism in Negev Heights and the Aravah with During the last term, 66 municipal communal an investment of about NIS 25 million, in parks were established throughout Israel. development of tourism to create sources of These parks are entertainment and income and consolidating the settlements in recreational venues for children, teenagers the Galilee, Negev and Aravah. and the general population. The parks improve the standard of living and the quality Roads and Highways of the air and environment in the state. Among We continued with the wide range of activities the prominent initiatives are the Be’er Sheva to break and pave agricultural-security roads River Park, which has changed the face of and scenic and forest roads. Among other the city and the entire region, the Eucalyptus things, the scenic roads in Mount Tur’an, Park in Beit She’an, the Botanical Gardens Biriya Forest and Kadita were upgraded, while in Akko (which was established thanks to security and agricultural roads were paved contributions of JNF-Canada and is expected in the Regional Councils of Tamar, Gush to be inaugurated in October 2015), the Ben Etzion, Upper Galilee, Ma'ale Yosef, Emek Gurion Forest Park in Dimona, Park Azrieli in Hama'ayanot and the Jordan Valley, and in Sderot, the Family Park in Ma’a lot, HaBanim the communities of Safsufa, Zimrat, Nahal Oz, Park in Kiryat Motzkin, HaBanim Park in Alonei Habashan, Manara, Eshbal, Margaliyot- Safed, Isfiya Park, “Mikolov” Garden in Katzrin Metula and Avnei-Eitan. and HaZayit Park in Kiryat Ekron.

12 13 Land Development Division

riddles for children has been installed there. the Aravah Stream and the Dead Sea Basin, In 2014, the State declared the arboretum in the Negev Heights and in Mitzpe Ramon. a botanical garden and in 2015 it won the Biofilter – Some tens of millions of cu. m. “Israel Accessibility” Award. The Botanical of rain water are lost every year in Israel Garden in Ilanot is an impressive and in the form of urban run-off to the sea. unparalleled success story. The groundwater of the costal aquifer, an two additional Biofilter systems were There are several important archeological Reservoirs and Streams – During the last important resource of the national water installed in Bat Yam and Ramla. The Biofilter and heritage sites in areas administered by term, construction of 30 new water reservoirs sector, is constantly withdrawing. Recently, is a link in the “Water Sensitive Cities” the KKL-JNF. A joint steering committee was was completed, including the Sharona in conjunction with Australia’s Monash approach – A new interdisciplinary applied established with the Antiquities authority and (3 million cu. m.), Tifrah, Nevatim, Ayelet University, an initiative that examines research program in which the KKL-JNF is it was agreed to advance the construction HaShahar-Gadot, Afek, EIlon and Usha an innovative technology called Biofilter a partner. The program set itself the goal of a national database for these sites. This reservoirs. Currently, a large water reservoir was launched. The Biofilter allows for the of finding innovative ways of managing database shall form the basis for a master is being constructed in Mishmarot. We purification of run-off waters that flow in the urban water sector in an efficient and plan for the development and preservation have worked extensively with government the streets and its reintroduction into the sustainable manner. of these sites. agencies to restore the Na'aman, Kishon and groundwater, without investing energy, in Following a three year hiatus, the publication Harod Rivers and the triangles of springs in order to utilize them for various purposes. C. The Chief Scientist of “Ya’ar” – the KKL JNF’s professional the Valley of Springs, and drainage works The first Biofilter experiment was conducted The Office of the Chief Scientist in Land journal – was renewed. Since then, two were performed in the agricultural lands of in 2013 in Kfar Saba. In light of its success, Development Administration began issues have been published – In September operating in February 2013. The Chief 2014 and March 2015. Scientist initiates studies in the LDA’s main spheres of activity, in conjunction with D. Community and Forest professionals who work in the KKL-JNF and The KKL-JNF identified the need to promote outside of it. After assessing the knowledge cycling in Israel and took up the challenge gaps in some of the KKL-JNF’s spheres and responded to the Israeli Government’s of activity, the Office of the Chief Scientist call. The KKL-JNF developed cycling issued a “Call for Proposals” for research infrastructure in forests and open fields that the KKL-JNF is interested in conducting throughout Israel totaling approximately and even funding. 1,300 km. During 2015, approximately 300 km of biking routes shall be added to them. In the last two years, a plan of action was formulated in the field of birdwatching, which In recent years, recreational sites and includes studies that place the KKL-JNF promenades in the KKL-JNF forest have at the forefront of promoting knowledge. been developed and become more Principles were established for cooperating versatile. Accordingly, a revised safety with additional bodies that engage in doctrine, establishing the safety procedures birdwatching, headed by the Society for the demanded from the visitors on the Protection of Nature. afforestation lands, was written.

14 15 Fundraising

The Resources Division is responsible for To strengthen ties with the donors and in Fundraising relations with the KKL-JNF overseas offices, order to increase fundraising, the Division 209 mobile shelters were donated during Operation fundraising and marketing of projects and produced 2,431 updates and sent them to Protective Edge activities for fundraising purposes in Israel the donors. Most of the updates were sent and abroad, conducting ceremonies and via electronic media, including the KKL-JNF conferences for delegations of donors and website in English and the JPost Green Israel NIS 665.8 million were donated ($179.07 million). foreign heads of state, and the inauguration of website. 5,230,342 internet surfers visited projects and their signage. these websites. With this assistance, 665 projects The Division hosted some 80 heads of state and some 1,900 forestry projects were developed The Resources Division expanded the infrastructure supporting the fundraising and from around the world, including the Prime operating activities of the KKL-JNF offices in Minister of Canada, the Orthodox Patriarch 48 countries. Since the Zionist Congress last Bartholomew, the Prime Minister of Georgia, 8 Global UN Conferences convened, the Division assisted in the transfer the Prime Minister of Belgium, the Czech 27 official delegations and visits of donations to Israel – in cooperation with Prime Minister, the Prime Minister of Serbia, the offices, the donors, Management and the the President of Sri Lanka and President of envoys around the world – totaling NIS 665.8 Guatemala. The heads of state planted trees million ($179.07 million). in the Grove of Nations in the Jerusalem Forest, 17 continuous partnerships at the foot of Yad Vashem. 4 projects with the developing world The donations are diverted exclusively to execution of projects. Thanks to the donations, Events and Delegations 665 projects in the fields of water, ecology, 407 delegations of donors and supporters from 6 studies tourism, research and education have been around the world toured the various projects developed. Among other things, alternative through the country. The Division conducted 18 international conferences / committees / energy centers were constructed, mostly in the workshops and an examining survey and performed 3,904 ceremonies for donors Negev and Galilee, and some 1,900 forestry and produced 3,042 donation portfolios and a projects (groves and forests) were established. wide variety of marketing materials. 11 official task groups and forums of the UN During Operation “Protective Edge”, our During 2015, in the wake of Operation friends in the diaspora supported us Protective Edge, the Division led a visit by a while demonstrating a touching degree of solidarity delegation with many participants commitment and solidarity. The mobilization to from 35 countries, who came to express their donate 209 mobile shelters in a very short time support and identification with the residents was deeply touching. These mobile shelters of southern Israel. The delegation conducted protected the lives of residents of the south tours and visits throughout the country. During during the operation. the visit, mass support rallies were held in the

16 17 Education and Youth

presence of ministers and prominent public For the first time in its history and upon the During the last term, the Education and figures, at sites such as the Be’er Sheva River request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Youth Department acted in accordance Park, Jerusalem and the Tel Nof Airforce Base. KKL-JNF took a central part in the Israeli with the overarching goals and objectives Education and Youth Pavilion at Expo Milano – the largest global established by the KKL-JNF Management: During the last term, nine international exhibition, which was held in Milan in 2015. Fostering and developing young leadership, conferences and events with donors, The central theme of the exhibition was expansion and enhancement of contributory two conferences of the KKL-JNF’s global work among teenagers from Israel and food and nutrition (Feeding the Planet). The At the very beginning of Operation leadership in Israel and two conferences of abroad in KKL-JNF enterprises, broadening Israeli pavilion was chosen as one of the five “Protective Edge”, the Education European leadership in Europe were held. and deepening the educational plans in the leading pavilions of the exhibition (from over a Department employees mobilized to assist Additionally, two conferences of international fields of sustainable development, young hundred). The pavilion exhibited the KKL-JNF’s the residents of southern Israel, both in delegations – one in Israel and the other in leadership and ecological Zionism, and enterprises and the knowledge and expertise the shelters and in the KKL-JNF facilities Milan – and an international event in which positioning KKL-JNF as the largest and it gained. The KKL-JNF held conferences at beyond the frontlines. The KKL-JNF placed the Prime Minister of Canada was present leading ecological organization in Israel. the exhibition in which KKL-JNF professional all of its Field Centers and instructors at were held. 1,711,690 students, teachers and instructors the disposal of the local authorities. The presented their achievements. Following a took part in the Department’s activities. During the same period, over 400 conference on combatting desertification, the activities included an educational van and conferences and supporting events were UN declared the KKL-JNF as world leader in During the term, the KKL-JNF’s Green one-day, two-day and three-day excursions. held in Canada, Australia, Europe, the US this field. Leadership Classrooms Project was 28,993 participants took part in the KKL-JNF and Latin American countries. Thousands launched. The project aims to empower activities, including children, teenagers and During the last term, the KKL-JNF increased of participants from around the world took young leadership that will act in the spirit families that were hosted at the Field and the scope of collaborations abroad. For part in these events. We inaugurated the of the KKL-JNF values, with instructors on Forest Center at Ness Harim. example, the KKL-JNF invests in a joint venture Vidor Visitors’ Center in the Aravah, which behalf of the Education Department and with Haramaya University in Ethiopia. The We increased the number of localities was established with donations from JNF Volunteers conveying dedicated content for venture is intended to locate successful strains that participated in the Maof and ATZIL Australia, and we hosted a delegation of this purpose. To date, over 430 classrooms of tomatoes and disseminate the knowledge have been stationed throughout the country. educational projects and integrated them senior officials from the UN’s Food and among the local growers. The Green leadership classerooms project with the green leadership classroomss. The Agriculture Organization in the Negev. also targets minority populations, with 30 ATZIL activities were expanded to include Another venture, in conjunction with the “Brit During the last term, relations between the instructors from the Arab Sector being new immigrants. Olam” Association, the Spanish Mission, the KKL-JNF and the governmental institutions trained and a study program adapted to Aravah Institute and Avarah R&D, is taking Another venture – “Meeting in Israel National and research bodies in Canada have Arab students being prepared. place in the Turkana County of Kenya. The Trail” – Is a value-based educational activity strengthened. Stephen Harper, the Prime venture has set itself the goal of establishing During the period, the project for increasing that includes a journey along the Israel Minister of Canada, accepted the invitation of communal palm plantations for local the activity and upgrading the Field and National Trail, guided by KKL-JNF guides. the KKL-JNF Chairman and arrived in Israel Forest Centers of KKL-JNF has concluded. consumption and sale. The palm plantations Some 3,500 hikers participated in this as our guest of honor. Mr. Harper placed Field and Forest Centers serve as shall be irrigated with water drawn with solar- venture. Some 1,000 teenagers participated the cornerstone to the Visitors’ Center of the accomodations for students, teachers and in the “KKL-JNF’s Green Journey on the powered pumps. This venture was presented KKL-Hula Lake, which had been financed outdoors instructors who use them as bases Routes of Revival”, who began their journey in Expo Milano as the flagship project of the mainly from a contribution of the Canadian for education and recreation, congresses in Poland and continued with cycling tours KKL-JNF. Prime Minister. and training. at KKL-JNF sites in Israel. International Projects and Collaborations In another venture, the KKL=JNF established an agricultural farm for the orphans of the During the last term, we strengthened Rwanda Civil War. the foreign relations and international collaborations in order to promote the environmental and sustainable aspect of the Activities with formal entities 107,840 KKL-JNF and to share the knowledge and (schools) expertise that we have accumulated primarily in the fields of afforestation, combatting Activities with informal groups 20,161 desertification and water. (youth movements) During the last term, the KKL-JNF’s specialist purchased an actual foothold in the UN Maof 173,638 institutions and initiated collaborations, invitations to give lectures, participation ATZIL 7,082 in conferences and proposals to join full members in several institutions such as the Overseas 5,229 Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Protective Edge Activities 28,993 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) and the United Nations Young Leadership 48,185 Forum on Forests (UNFF).

18 19 21 Real eastete, Economic Development and Finances 650.0 817.3 845.6 917.9 987.0 1,012.2 Amount Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Finances and and Finances Economics Economics DivisionThe Finances and of KKL-JNFcoordinates the management activityof areas Its accounts. and budgets controlling and monitoring planning, the are of the budget, information accounts, of management financial of the estates.and funds payments, financial and resources during the Period of theKKL-JNF Budget NIS) Report (in million The Economic Development Development The Economic Division changes andAs part of the structural based upon the strategic plan, the KKL- Economic DevelopmentJNF established the to is body this of purpose The Division. expand the KKL-JNF’s sources of income independentlyengage alia, inter may, it and establishment the in subcontractors via and Centers in the KKL- and operation of Field operation and establishment the forests, JNF refreshment stations forof information and ventures.hikers and touristic Additional ventures that the Economic theare in engages Division Development establishment and operation of branded operationand establishment the and cafés, greenof solar panels and other sources of fromenergy at KKL-JNF sites. All the income andthese actions is earmarked for the forest land development budget. Since its establishment, ventures: several promoted already has the Division for theSigning a preliminary agreement ofpurchase of waste from the crushing and utilization for forests in foliage trimmed a planproduction of energy; promotion of to install photovoltaic systems at KKL-JNF grid;sites that are connected to the power the installation of an electrical monitoring system at the KKL-JNF’s main substantial sites; reduction in a the organization’s water costs due to its classification as a of the water consumer; and promotion usage of recycled materials. The Economic Development Division is currently promoting the plans to establish service centers in the forest and is intensifying its efforts and activities to collect funds from economic ventures operating in the forests and to receive restitution compensation.

include agricultural plots, nature reserves and forests, open and agricultural areas in villages, lookouts and cities. Himnuta’s upon acquisitions andactivities focuses to strengthen the frontierexchange of lands the implementation ofregion. As part of its policy, Himnuta is acting urban buildingto initiate and promote vigorously the country. Himnuta isplans throughout some 28 urbansimultaneously promoting Yavne,Gan as such places in plans building Netanya, Kiryat Ono, Afula, Adi and Tzurit. ofThese plans shall enable the construction about 2,300 housing units. The Assets Usage Department is working ownedto rent out about 200 apartments by Himnuta. Himnuta strives to achieve rents assets, the from profitability maximum thanthem out at prices that are no less reducethe assessor prices and acts to maintenance costs. assetsits monitoring is Himnuta addition, In couldand preventing trespassing that lead to their loss. Last year, about 17,000 aboutmonitoring visits were conducted on 4,000 Himnuta plots.

The Real Estate Division The Real organizationalthe is division Estate Real The KKL- the handles and manages that entity accordance in assets, and estate real JNF’s signed between thewith the covenant and the KKL-JNF andGovernment of Israel Lands law. pursuant to the Israel JNF-ILA Liaison Department in view of theThe unit was established many mistakes madeovercharges and Authority in calculatingby the Israel Lands the transactions it performed with KKL-JNF thelands. The unit tracks and monitors sincetransactions and calculations and its inception, it has managed to return NIS results230 million to KKL-JNF that were the of miscalculation of the last thatand another NIS 700 million for errors five years, occurred previously. The unit’s personnel ofare negotiating with ILA on the return additional sums of money. Himnuta Ltd. as aHimnuta was established in 1938 subsidiary of the KKL-JNF. It owns 40,000 dunams, mostly in northern Israel, which 20 Media and Public Relations Media and Public Relations

The Office of the Spokesperson exposes the The Office of the Spokesperson disseminate activities of the KKL-JNF to the general public information regarding KKL-JNF sites by the in a wide channels of media, and endeavors popular navigation application Waze. The to instill the values of the KKL-JNF in Israel, application provides travelers on the road with the Jewish world and generally. In recent real time updates on KKL-JNF sites, including years, in view of the proliferation of means biking trails, lookouts, forests and activities. of communications, the activities of the The Spokesperson’s Offices have invested Spokesperson’s Office have expanded and many resources in the international media penetrated the “New Media” market as well. arena and in leading media channels in the The contemporary technology and media Jewish world, creating information sharing with allow the KKL-JNF and the Spokesperson’s television stations operating overseas. Office to transfer pictures, video clips and The Spokesperson’s Office has recently information directly from the field. The KKL- increased the exposure of KKL-JNF activities JNF’s media presence on social media such in the local media. The intention is to expose as Facebook has been increased, a KKL- the projects to the relevant audience, which JNF page on YouTube was established and directly relates to KKL-JNF activities. Examples viral video clips conveying the KKL-JNF’s of this are the large projects that serve the messages in a lighthearted and up-to-date, public such as municipal parks and water but dignified, fashion were distributed online. reservoirs that serve regional agriculture.

22 23 Human Resources

Over the past five years, the Human are the reinforcement and strengthening of the Resources and Administration Department has Organization's Secretarial Unit and unification taken a central part in the implementation of of all the functions engaged in Media, publicity three collective agreements that were signed and public diplomacy under a single division. between the KKL-JNF Management and the workers’ organization. These agreements In 2012, the “Journey to Poland” tradition regularize the disputes in issues relating to was renewed and four delegations have set human resources and administration. out since then. An organizational portal and employee inquiries center went online for the During the said period, units designed to benefit of the employees and for information adapt the structure of the organization to its sharing. The division also continued in its goals and challenges were established within activities to cultivate the human resource in the KKL-JNF: The Economic Development studying, training and advanced educational Division and Engagements Department were programs, and in welfare and sports activities established, the studies were unified under the for employees and retirees. Chief Scientist’s Unit and an overseas public diplomacy system was established. We expect The Maintenance Department carried out additional structural changes in the future, to extensive activity related to the acquisition adapt the KKL-JNF’s structure to future work, and assimilation of eight firetrucks and ten new to structural and regulatory changes and to trucks that are necessary for afforestation work future challenges. Examples of such changes and for the development enterprises.

24 Editing: Yaacov Shkolnik Translation: Set Services Ltd. Design: Ikan Maas Creative Branding Photos: KKL-JNF Photos Archive www.kkl.org.il Forest Hot-Line: 1-800-350-550