The JNF is one of the oldest Jewish organizations in South Africa. It's over 120 years old, and thanks to the support of South African Jewry, we've been able to build forests, roads, dams, and lead to the development of the state of Israel into a modern dynamic society,

 

Some of our flagship projects in Israel are the Brica Trail, which is an educational walking trail through the Carmel Forest. There's the South African Memorial Forest, which commemorates South African soldiers that fell defending Israel, and our bomb shelter projects, which have saved lives.

 

Historically, JNF has been associated with planting trees in the land of Israel, and we still continue to do that, but we're now doing so much more. We're bringing Israeli water and agricultural technology to South Africa to help improve the lives of people here and ensure water and food security.

 

Our major flagship project here in South Africa is our project in Bangalore. It's the Walter Sisulu Environmental Center, as well as another environmental center in Hammersdale, in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

These centers have such a big impact. They are empowering people to learn about the environment and actually are teaching people how to grow their own food and to be more environmentally conscious.

 

When we go and visit the projects, and we see the food gardens and elderly people working in the gardens and reaping the benefits of their hard work. It's wonderful to see the impact that the JNF has made on communities here, and how perceptions of Israel are being changed.

 

We believe that investing in education is critical in creating the next generation of climate change activists and Israel supporters.

Although the JNF is an old organization, we're continuing to grow and change. We've got a dynamic young committee that's committed to building new projects in the land of Israel and here in South Africa, the JNF has a new image, we have a new logo, and we've got a lot of exciting things coming your way. You can keep up with us by visiting our Facebook page, our Instagram page, and our website, and we would love to hear from you.

 

We would love you to engage with us and to be part of the JNF South Africa. Please continue to buy gift certificates, you can purchase trees in Israel in memory of somebody to celebrate a Simcha with the support of KKL in Israel and our donors here in South Africa. We can ensure that our projects in Israel and South Africa will continue for another 120 years, promoting the connection between the South African Jewish community and the land of Israel.

 

Working together, we can ensure a better future for our children, for our planet, and for ourselves.