The JNF - Jewish National Fund - is a non-profit organization founded in 1901 to help develop the Land of Israel for the Jewish People. The agreement to transfer ownership of its developed lands and concentrate once again on developing other areas marks a return to the JNF's original mission, its leaders say.
In a statement released by the organization, the decision was called a "historic agreement that allows our organization to more fully act as caretaker and developer of the land of Israel on behalf of its owners - Jewish people everywhere."
Details of the agreement, such as which precise parcels of land are to be exchanged and the payment of the difference of value, are in the process of being worked out and will not be finalized for several years. JNF will continue to own approximately 13 percent of Israel’s total land mass.
“It is really a win-win agreement," says JNF World Co-Chairman Ezra Binyamini, "because now we can focus on our Blueprint Negev campaign, which will make the southern half of Israel into a viable, attractive place to live."
The Blueprint Negev campaign is JNF’s integrated plan to bring 250,000 new residents to the Negev over the next 5-10 years. The Negev consists of 60% of Israel and less than 8% of the population. The program involves strengthening existing towns and cities, and building new commuter communities.
“Just as we did over 100 years ago," JNF President Ronald S. Lauder said, "we get to take land no one wanted and turn it into the green soil and new life for the Jewish people. We want to make the Negev an economic strength for Israel, not an economic drain. No organization has the know-how, history or credibility to do that the way JNF can.”
In a statement released by the organization, the decision was called a "historic agreement that allows our organization to more fully act as caretaker and developer of the land of Israel on behalf of its owners - Jewish people everywhere."
Details of the agreement, such as which precise parcels of land are to be exchanged and the payment of the difference of value, are in the process of being worked out and will not be finalized for several years. JNF will continue to own approximately 13 percent of Israel’s total land mass.
“It is really a win-win agreement," says JNF World Co-Chairman Ezra Binyamini, "because now we can focus on our Blueprint Negev campaign, which will make the southern half of Israel into a viable, attractive place to live."
The Blueprint Negev campaign is JNF’s integrated plan to bring 250,000 new residents to the Negev over the next 5-10 years. The Negev consists of 60% of Israel and less than 8% of the population. The program involves strengthening existing towns and cities, and building new commuter communities.
“Just as we did over 100 years ago," JNF President Ronald S. Lauder said, "we get to take land no one wanted and turn it into the green soil and new life for the Jewish people. We want to make the Negev an economic strength for Israel, not an economic drain. No organization has the know-how, history or credibility to do that the way JNF can.”