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Inside this Issue 5
Dear Reader, The future of Israel depends on the next generation, and the next generation depends on Jewish National Fund. In this issue, learn how JNF projects are directly shaping the future of our children in Israel. From a group of students helping to design part of the Be’er Sheva River Park; to children with disabilities experiencing nature through educational activities; to young adults in the Negev who now have a community center of their own, this issue brings you stories straight from the heart of the Israeli children impacted by JNF’s work. Turn to pages 1621 to learn how JNF remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for the children in Israel. We hope you enjoy this issue. Have something to say? Don’t be shy! Send your feedback to newsletter@jnf.org.
Project Spotlight: Carmit The new community of Carmit, currently under development, will play a central role in redefining the image of Israel’s southern region.
11 H onoring
Three of Israel’s Finest
Three firefighters – Danny Hayat, Uri Samendayev and 16-year-old Elad Riven – lost their lives fighting the December Carmel Forest fire. Ariel Kotler pays tribute to their sacrifice and the commendable work of Israel’s Fire & Rescue Services.
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Water Mission
The JNF Parsons Water Fund Board went on its first-ever Road Show Convention to explore the possibility of regional collaboration to solve water issues facing the Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians.
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Regards, B’Yachad Editorial Staff newsletter@jnf.org
Our Pride, Our Joy, Our Future
Through projects like the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, JNF-Yerucham Young Adult Community House, and the Children Plan a Park program, JNF has touched the lives of thousands of Israeli youth. Hear about their experiences firsthand.
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Bangor, Maine Door-to-Door Pushke Drive Bangor, Maine’s annual Door-to-Door Pushke Drive brings fundraising to a personal level.
Winner of AJPA Rockower Award for Excellence
Cover Photo Credit: Amnon Gutman
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Printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink
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Jewish National Fund (JNF) began in 1901 collecting coins in blue boxes to purchase land and return the Jewish people to their homeland. In over 109 years, JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader and become the central address for partnering with the land and people of Israel. JNF has planted 250 million trees; built over 1,000 parks and recreational areas; constructed security roads; educated students around the world about Israel; created new communities so that Jews from around the world would have a place to call home; discovered new means of growing plants under arid conditions, bringing green to the desert; and built nearly 220 reservoirs and water recycling centers, increasing Israel’s water supply by 12%. Today, JNF is supporting Israel’s newest generation of pioneers by bringing life to the Negev Desert, Israel’s last frontier. A United Nations NGO, JNF sponsors international conferences on desertification, shares afforestation techniques, and funds research on arid land management. JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers. For more information on JNF, call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.