Jewish National Fund to invest $95 million in southern Israel's recovery

The KKL-JNF Jewish National Fund announced a significant investment of NIS 284 million (approximately $95 million) to bolster development and recovery in southern Israel, particularly in communities devastated by the Hamas invasion. This funding initiative aims to address both immediate needs and long-term resilience in the region.

Two kibbutzim, Be’eri and Kfar Aza, which suffered immense losses during the October 7th attacks, are set to receive NIS 20 million each over three years. This funding is designated for physical rehabilitation and commemoration efforts. Notably, Kibbutz Kfar Aza will receive NIS 15 million to independently decide how to memorialize the 64 residents who were massacred and the 19 abducted during the Hamas invasion. This decision follows a dispute with the Heritage Ministry, which had offered a smaller sum with conditions on its involvement and veto power over the commemoration plans. KKL-JNF emphasized that the agreement with Kfar Aza ensures no party has veto power, allowing residents to control their narrative and honor the victims.

The majority of the funds will support long-term development across the Lachish region, the Western Negev, the Beersheba metropolis, and the Arava in the country's far south. Over NIS 110 million ($37 million) is specifically earmarked for the Gaza border region, an area that bore the brunt of the October 7th massacre. Kibbutz Holit, also heavily impacted, will receive NIS 5 million for memorial initiatives. Additionally, NIS 12 million will aid Kibbutz Beit Nir in preparing for the arrival of 46 families displaced from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Further allocations include NIS 800,000 for commemorative events in the Eshkol and Sha’ar HaNegev regional councils. The plan also dedicates NIS 40 million ($13.4 million) to agricultural land preparation, with NIS 30 million designated for developing over 1,600 acres within the Eshkol Regional Council. Another NIS 15 million will support mission-driven groups and graduates of pre-military academies relocating to rural communities in southern Israel.

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The agreement with Kfar Aza will stipulate that no party has veto power over how the community chooses to commemorate October 7, allowing residents to determine how they tell their story and honor those who were murdered and those who fell.