The three-year plan reflects a national approach that views northern Israel as one interconnected region, stretching from the Lower Galilee and the valleys through the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the heart of the Galilee and the mixed cities, to communities along the northern confrontation line on the Lebanese border. It includes unprecedented investments in infrastructure and environmental development, housing and community development, education and culture.
The measures approved by the Board include:
• NIS 362 million ($120 million) in direct support for local authorities throughout northern Israel to advance infrastructure and public-space development projects.
• NIS 150 million ($49.7 million) to purchase apartments in northern communities that will be rented at reduced rates to educational communities and teachers, with the aim of encouraging young families to relocate to northern Israel and strengthening the region's education system.
• NIS 120 million ($39.8 million) for the "Community Builds the Homeland" program to encourage mission-driven groups to establish and strengthen communities in the Galilee and northern Israel. Of this amount, NIS 30 million ($9.9 million) will be allocated to Kiryat Shmona, NIS 30 million ($9.9 million) to communities adjacent to the border along the northern confrontation line and in the Golan Heights, and NIS 60 million ($19.9 million) to communities in the northern mountain region, with a target of bringing approximately 1,200 new residents to the area within three years.
• NIS 100 million ($33.1 million) to expand the apartment-purchase program in northern cities, with a particular emphasis on the mixed cities of Nof HaGalil, Karmiel and Acre.
• NIS 76 million ($25.2 million) to establish four new KKL-JNF Houses of Excellence in Nahariya, Afula, Karmiel and Tiberias. The centers will provide educational programs aimed at promoting excellence among young people, improving educational achievement and expanding equal opportunities for children in northern Israel.
• NIS 32.5 million ($10.8 million) for 12 communities located within 0–2 kilometers of the border along the northern confrontation line that have not yet received direct support from KKL-JNF, to support infrastructure development, public buildings and demographic growth.
• NIS 11 million ($3.6 million) to complete the establishment of the community of Shibolet, which is being developed as a unique community model in the Lower Galilee.
• NIS 5 million ($1.7 million) for the development of Kfar Vradim, following its inclusion by KKL-JNF for the first time among the communities of the northern confrontation line.
•Approximately NIS 5 million ($1.7 million) in annual support for cultural events held by local authorities in the areas covered by the plan.
•NIS 2.5 million ($830,000) to complete the fire-protection system at Kibbutz Hanita.
Photo: KKL-JNF
The initiative is a direct continuation of the extensive efforts led by KKL-JNF under Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky since the beginning of the year and since the new Board of Directors took office. These efforts include support for the rehabilitation of Kibbutz Manara and 11 communities designated as "red" communities immediately adjacent to the border, from Misgav Am and Margaliot to Adamit and Hanita; the renovation of the Lohamei HaGetaot amphitheater; the purchase of 120 apartments for mission-driven communities in Kiryat Shmona; and extensive activity along the confrontation line as part of Operation "Roaring Lion."
As part of the operation, KKL-JNF provided respite stays for 20,000 residents at hotels, deployed approximately 270 protective shelters in communities and agricultural areas, and organized Passover Seders in shelters in Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi. These efforts were carried out alongside NIS 500 million ($165.7 million) in KKL-JNF support for communities along the confrontation line as part of the government's decision to develop the northern confrontation line.
The new plan places particular emphasis on encouraging population growth and strengthening communities in the heart of the Galilee and in mixed cities. It includes an unprecedented investment of approximately NIS 120 million ($39.8 million) in projects, apartment purchases and initiatives to encourage people to relocate to Nof HaGalil; approximately NIS 60 million ($19.9 million) for the same areas of activity in Karmiel; and approximately NIS 40 million ($13.3 million) in Acre. Approximately NIS 25 million ($8.3 million) will also be invested in strategic projects in the Misgav Regional Council.
The plan also emphasizes completing the network of KKL-JNF Houses of Excellence throughout the Galilee, with the goal of establishing a KKL-JNF House of Excellence in every city with more than 25,000 residents and a socioeconomic ranking of 1–6.
The plan also includes Hatzor HaGlilit and Rosh Pina, which did not receive support under government decisions aimed at advancing northern Israel. A combined NIS 25 million ($8.3 million) will be allocated to developing projects in the two communities.
Photo: KKL-JNF
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said: "Today, the KKL-JNF Board of Directors adopted one of the most significant decisions in the organization's history for northern Israel. This is an unprecedented initiative in both its scale and geographic reach, reflecting our view of the entire north as KKL-JNF's central priority for support this year and in the years ahead. We are investing across the region with strategic support for projects and environmental development, housing and community development, education and culture, all to show the residents of northern Israel that they are at the top of our priorities.
"With an investment of approximately NIS 859 million ($284.7 million), we are putting forward a broad national vision that sees the entire north, the valleys, the Lower Galilee, the heart of the Galilee, the Golan Heights and the northern confrontation line, as the most important arena for Zionist fulfillment at this time. Alongside these values, we are bringing the resources needed to turn the north into the great Zionist success story it has the potential to become.
"KKL-JNF was there for the northern confrontation line and the Golan Heights during the war and throughout the emergency, as well as during the rehabilitation and strategic development that followed. We are now expanding that commitment across all of northern Israel with the same determination and intensity, in order to strengthen communities throughout the region and build a better, safer and stronger future for the residents of the north."