Protester at anti-JNF rally
Protester at anti-JNF rallyIsrael news photo: Hezki Ezra

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) recently held its annual meeting in the city of Denver, Colorado, in the United States. A group of anti-Israel protesters decided to target the event.

Protesters gathered outside the residence of Governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper as the governor hosted JNF representatives.

They carried signs accusing Israel of genocide, and called “Israel out of Palestine,” and, “Long live the Intifada.” Intifada is the Arabic word commonly used to refer to the terrorist war on Israel, which has killed thousands of Israeli civilians.

JNF head Effie Stenzler, who spoke to Arutz Sheva, explained that this is far from the first time that anti-Israel protesters have targeted JNF. Similar protests have been seen in France, Belgium, South Africa, and other countries as well, he said.

“Everywhere that there’s a JNF office there are protests, because we do Jewish, Zionist activity,” he declared.

“But at the same time, we help minorities,” he noted. However, he said, “They don’t let the facts get in their way. We don’t plant a single tree on land that doesn’t belong to the state of Israel, but like I said, they don’t let the facts stop them.”

Democracy is an important value, and should be protected, he added, “But we must protect the truth, too.”

Speaking at the event, Stenzler recalled fighting in one of the bloodiest battles of the Yom Kippur war. He lost many friends in the war, he said. His generation is determined to ensure that “Masada will not fall again,” he declared.

JNF works to develop the infrastructure in the Negev and Galilee, to fight desertification, to boost agriculture, and to strengthen the ties between Israel and Jewish communities overseas.