In no other area of work is our vision more apparent than within Community Building. Today, as Israelis continue to crowd Central Israel, we see an opportunity to develop the full potential of the Galilee and Negev as rich centers of agriculture, tourism, and technology. That’s why population growth and regional economic development form the backbone of our Go North and Blueprint Negev strategies.

When the State of Israel was established in 1948, water played a significant role in shaping its character. Jewish National Fund's work with water has increased Israel’s water economy by over 12% through the treatment, recycling, and collection of both waste and runoff water, responsible aquifer drilling, and river rehabilitation. Over the past three decades, JNF, as part of the support for the land and people of Israel has built over 250 reservoirs, raising the amount of recycled water in Israel from 4% to over 85% today—more than any other country in the world. The results are impressive, but our work is not over and the need for water is not going away. Israel’s population is growing, and with that growth comes the need for additional reliable water resources.

Heritage sites are a powerful connection to Israel’s past and a touchstone to our collective future.  Some dating to ancient times, others to the 1948 War of Independence, are important symbols that inspire our nation and deserve our unwavering attention. Working in partnership with the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites, hundreds of sites across Israel have been renovated and preserved so that their story will inspire generations to come.

Today, more attention is focused on Israel and its success in cultivating the desert. Jewish National Fund, as part of the support of the land and people of Israel, sponsors a ground-breaking network of regional agriculture and research development stations in the Negev and Galilee. Israel’s brightest scientists work closely with local farmers, research institutions, and universities to increase the agricultural economy, sustainability and profitability.

Simply put, our work planting trees and developing green spaces has made Israel an environmental powerhouse. Now, as innovators in ecological development and pioneers in afforestation and fire prevention, we continue to strengthen ties between the land and the people of Israel. From forest to coral reef restoration, soil conservation to agricultural infrastructure, we work to ensure the protection of nature for all.

As the largest provider of Israel education programs in the United States, we offer more Americans more ways to learn about Israel. From kindergarten through to adulthood, from b’nai mitzvah projects to Alternative Break and Birthright Israel trips, we engage, educate and help students – and the broader community – foster a greater commitment and love for the land of Israel. And for one another.

We believe passionately that the inclusion of people with disabilities and special needs should be woven tightly into the fabric of everyday life. All the more so in Israel.  That’s why today, our focus on providing services for people with disabilities and special needs is strategically located in the Negev and Galilee. Through a variety of initiatives, JNF provides cutting-edge rehabilitative services, special education and medical care. We also work to ensure that nature and recreational facilities are inclusive for visitors of all ability levels.