KKL-JNF's Board of Directors unanimously approved two strategic decisions,which constitute a central pillar in the national rehabilitation and constructioneffort. As part of the first decision, Kibbutz Manara near the Lebanese borderwas defined as a “special central aid target,” a step that will allow theimmediate transfer of 30 million NIS for the restoration of the destroyedneighborhoods and renewal of infrastructure in the kibbutz, which has sufferedunprecedented damage to its infrastructure and buildings since October 7.
At the same time, the board approved the designation of the Arad Valley,which includes the city of Arad and the Mevo'ot Arad region, as a central aidtarget. KKL-JNF will integrate into the national effort to establish five newcommunities in the Mevo'ot Arad region and Yatir, allocating 39.8 million NISto complete development and infrastructure works in cooperation with theHityashvut Division.
As part of the vision to reduce gaps and encourage demographic growth, andwith the aim of strengthening Arad as the district city of the Arad Valleyregion, the committee also approved the establishment of a “KKL-JNF Housefor Excellence” for youth in the city. The project will be budgeted with aninvestment of 19 million NIS, along with a future commitment to invest anadditional 10 million NIS over five years for the center’s ongoing educationalactivities after its establishment.
Eyal Ostrinsky, the KKL-JNF Chairman, said: “The historic decisions wehave made define the Arad Valley region, including the city of Arad, andKibbutz Manara as the organization’s central aid targets. Our commitment tothe north and the Negev does not remain on paper; we know how to be swiftin finding solutions, and it is a great honor for us to bring practical tools to thefield and provide immediate responses where they are most needed. Whetherit is the rehabilitation of ruins in Manara or the building of communities and a House for Excellence in Arad, KKL-JNF once again proves that it is the leadingoperational arm in strengthening the national resilience of the State of Israel.”
Photograph: Courtesy of the KKL-JNF Photo Archive