JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF-KKL) IN UKRAINE

The "urban heat island" effect

The "urban heat island" effect in Israel occurs in urban areas where temperatures are significantly higher than in countryside areas. This phenomenon is caused by human activities, such as building and road construction, which absorb and re-radiate the sun's heat even more than natural landscapes.

In Israel, the urban heat island effect can be pronounced in cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. These cities experience higher temperatures, especially in summer, which can affect energy consumption, health and overall quality of life.

Urban planning and green infrastructure are important mitigation strategies for this impact. That is why Keren Kayemeth recommends going to the KKL-JNF forests.

The Ukraine Forest in Israel

The Ukraine Forest in Israel, located in the Nothern Negev. It pays tribute to the Jewish communities of Ukraine and is important for the development of bilateral cultural cooperation and the activation of cooperation in the field of environmental protection.
This project was made by Keren Kayemet LeIsrael - the Jewish National Fund. The "Ukraine" forest became part of the Foundation's many efforts aimed at combating desertification, promoting environmental sustainability, and creating places for the population to relax.
Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Israel, April 2021

Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, comes 7 weeks after Passover, commemorating the giving of the Torah tablets at Mount Sinai. Shavuot marks the end of the counting of the Omer, the 50-day period after the Exodus from Egypt. Traditionally, the holiday is marked by the reading of the Torah, the Book of Ruth, and the feast of dairy dishes, gifts from the "land of milk and honey". Shavuot is also a festival of first fruits and harvest, making it both a religious and an agricultural holiday.

We wish a peaceful sky and may this bright holiday fill every home with joy and laughter, and make life long and bright. 
Hag Shavuot Sameach!

Every year on the 18th of Iyar, on the 33rd day of the Omer, seven weeks between the second day of Passover and the harvest festival of Shavuot, bonfires are lit in Israel as a symbol of the Lag B’Omer holiday. The history of this date goes back to the second half of the 2nd century AD, the time of the rebellion against the Roman regime led by Bar-Kohba. Today, commemorating the rebels who fought for Jewish statehood, on Lag B’Omer, bonfires are lit, which in that era was a signal fire on the hills about the beginning of the resistance. Another miracle that happened on the 33rd day of the Omer was the end of the terrible plague that killed almost 24,000 of Rebbe Akiva's students during the uprising.

Dear friends! We congratulate you on Israel Independence Day and wishing our country peace, security and prosperity!

We have been waiting for them for half a year🎗️

On the road to Jerusalem a few months ago, the "Path of Hope" appeared on the initiative of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael. Everyone can express their support for the families of the hostages and tie a yellow ribbon to the trunk of one of the trees. Together with the Israeli people, we pray for the immediate return of all the hostages.
Photo: Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael

Eucalyptus is one of the most famous and beloved forest trees that were brought to Israel from different parts of the world.

Its popularity is well deserved given its rich history in the region. Originally planted as seedlings in 1884 in the botanical garden of the Mikveh Israel youth village in the central region of the country, the eucalyptus has become an integral part of Israel's landscape and a symbol of early Jewish settlements. Due to its tall stature and robust nature, this species can reach an impressive height of up to 40 meters, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.
In its native Australia, eucalyptus grows in a variety of landscapes, from riverbanks and valleys to high mountains and flood-prone areas. There are approximately 800 species of eucalyptus in the wild. The tree has an amazing ability to absorb large amounts of water and grow rapidly. This characteristic has made it invaluable in efforts to drain malaria-infested swamps, highlighting its significant ecological contribution beyond its aesthetic appeal.
Photo and information credit: Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael

March 21 is World Forest Day

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund takes a leading role in organizing a variety of events throughout the country. Tree planting, educational programs and public actions aimed at a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of forests and the importance of the care of the environment.As part of cooperation with schools, local communities and environmental organizations, KKL conducts seminars, workshops and organized excursions in nature.
The International Day of Forests serves as a reminder of Israel's commitment to the environment and the collective responsibility to preserve the planet's valuable resources.

PURIM IS COMING

On the next week, Jewish people from all over the world will celebrate Purim. In the background of the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel this year, the holiday takes on a special significance. Purim represents liberation, freedom and the victory of Good over Evil, Joy over Sorrow. As you prepare for this festive event, may your heart be filled with joy, your home with laughter, and your spirit with the enduring spirit of Purim!

Prominent Jewish Women of Ukrainian origin

Today, the whole world celebrates International Women's Day. On this occasion, we would like to remember outstanding Jewish women of Ukrainian origin who made significant contributions in various fields and left a lasting impact on world history and culture.

The Darom Adom Festival (in Hebrew "red south") is an annual extravaganza in southern Israel that attracts both nature lovers and culture fans. This bright holiday starts every year in February - the period when red anemone flowers bloom. The festival is a real ode to nature through crafts, traditions and creativity.

Darom Adom reflects the delicate balance between human presence and the natural world, urging visitors to protect and nurture the ecosystems that underpin the region's beauty.

This year, in such difficult times, the Anemone March, which will be held from February 23 to 25, will be dedicated to the late Ofir Libstein, the head of the local council, who died on October 7 while protecting his family and community in Kibbutz Kfar Azа.

Photo: KKL-JNF archive

Jewish National Fund Ukraine participated in the pre-premiere screening of the film "Zone of Interest" as the part of the ceremony for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event was organized by the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine together with the Arthouse Trafic film company.
In May 2023 "Zone of Interest" won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. In February 22 the film will appear on screens in Ukrainian cinemas.

Tu BiShvat

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND - KEREN KAYEMET LEISRAEL UKRAINE sincerely congratulates you on the occasion of the upcoming holiday of Tu bi-Shvat — the New Year of Trees.According to the Jewish tradition, Tu BiShvat marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. It is customary that on this day both in Israel and Jewish communities around the world planting trees as a symbol of memory, life and hope.
May your good deeds only multiply, strengthen and bear fruit!

The 9th president of Israel, Shimon Peres, said that the goal must be big, much bigger than we are.
To raise a generation of world Zionist leaders. This is exactly the goal set by the founders of the Zionist Leadership Academy course. They selected participants from more than 30 different countries.
From March 23 to 28 in Cancun (Mexico) as a part of the program there was being held a conference, in which Lilia Liakhovych participated as a representative from Ukraine. During her speech, Lilia shared her own experience of the terrible events in Ukraine, spoke about the Fund’s activity in the time of war, in particular, the Refugee Camp in Zakarpattia, evacuating people from the war zone, humanitarian support; and also one more time called to support Ukraine.

Israel-Ukraine: Stronger together

Yesterday in Kyiv, with the support of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, Jewish National Fund Ukraine and other partners, a solidarity concert "Israel-Ukraine: stronger together" was held, where the voices of the most famous Ukrainian artists were heard: Tina Karol, Oleg Skrypka, the quintet of the Veryovka Choir, Oleksandr Ponomaryev and Mykhailo Khoma, ALEKSEEV, "Alibi" band, MELANYA, ALYOSHA and Vlad Darwin, Natalia Mogilevska.
"...this gathering today is about something else - it's about dignity and humanity, it's about solidarity and compassion, about those who call light "light" and darkness "darkness". Who calls executioners "executioners" and victims "victims", who understands the difference between evil and good.
...there are no 100 percent invincible strategies, there are no invincible armies, but I know for sure that there are invincible peoples - and I know these peoples: glory to Ukraine and glory to Israel" - excerpts from the speech of the President of JNF-KKL Ukraine Andriy Zaiika.

Jewish National Fund sincerely congratulates you on Hanukkah Holiday!!!

On Hanukkah there is a tradition of holding lavish celebrations to "announce a miracle".

Yesterday, December 2d, the Israeli House Project from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration of Israel together with Nativ - Israeli Cultural Center in Kyiv, Jewish National Fund and Kyiv Jewish Community organized a bright entertainment party on the occasion of the holiday.
The Ambassador of Israel Michael Brodsky, the Head of Nativ Felix Gurvich, the Director of the Israeli Cultural Center Ilona Perelman, the Head of Jewish National Fund Yonatan Ben Dor and the Chief Rabbi Yonatan Markovich addressed to the guests. After pleasant sincere words, the event was opened by lighting the 5th Hanukkah candle together.
During the evening, under the aroma of warm traditional donuts, guests were entertained by the music cover band POZITIV-BAND, a light show and a workshop on painting with light. As a highlight of the holiday was the lottery of jewelry prizes from the evening's partner David Ben Noon and the UDC company. In the warm atmosphere of Hanukkah lights, all the guests met winter in Kyiv.
Hag Hannukah Sameah! Hag Orim Sameah!!!

The Ukrainian office of Jewish National Fund was opened in Kyiv

Jewish National Fund is the world's oldest Jewish organization with a special legal status. It was founded 120 years ago at the Fifth Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland.

The Fund was founded and headed by Theodor Herzl and Johann Kremenezsky, who was born in Odessa. Translation from Hebrew - קרן קימת לישראל [keren kayemet le-I srael] - means the Fund for the awakening of Israel. Since the organization's inception, its goals have changed significantly, from the purchase of land for Jewish settlements to nature conservation, environmental education, and tourism development.
 And 120 years later, the circle symbolically closes: October 6, 2021 in the presence of the President of the State of Israel Yitzhak Herzog and representatives of the Jewish community in Kyiv was announced the opening of the Ukrainian office of Jewish National Fund. Much work remains to be done, including strengthening ties between Ukraine and Israel.
Speaking at the opening of the JNF-Ukraine, Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog congratulated Jewish National Fund on resuming its activities in Ukraine. "Everything is returning in a strange way. The Odessa Committee began buying lands in Eretz Israel and establishing the first Jewish settlements long before the Fund was founded. The grain of JNF, the seed of Zionism, was sown in Odessa. 

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I want to thank all those who care for the good of the community, who defend the common interests and faith in the God, who will give them their good deeds, send their blessings and good luck!".
The culmination of the event was the giving of an honorary diploma to the newly elected President of JNF-KKL-Ukraine to Mr. Andrii Zaika, who thanked all present and addressed the speech: "... It is a great honor to be a part of this outstanding and world-famous family - Jewish National Fund. On behalf of the Jewish community of Ukraine and on my own behalf, I would like to state that we will make every effort to strengthen ties between the Jews of Ukraine and the State of Israel. We will be happy to serve as a bridge between the two countries!"

This week, Yonatan Ben Dor, the Chairman of JNF-KKL Ukraine, visited Transcarpathia. Mr.Ben Dor met with a number of Jewish communities and local government bodies in various cities of the region.

Jewish National Fund - Keren Kayemeth Le-Israel - Ukraine sincerely congratulates you on the holiday of Shavuot!

Every year on 6-7 Sivan (25-27 May in 2023), Jews all over the world celebrate the Day of the revelation of the Torah - the holiday of Shavuot. Seven weeks after Exodus Moses received the Torah tablets on the Mount of Sinai. This day became a decisive stage on the way to the freedom of the Israeli people.

Shavuot is also a festival of first fruits and harvest. Speaking of treats, preference is given to dairy dishes, often symbolizing Israel as "the land of milk and honey."

Jewish National Fund - Keren Kayemet Le-Israel - Ukraine sincerely congratulates you on the holiday of Shavuot!
We are wishing you a peaceful sky, health, a good harvest and sweet moments in your life!

HAPPY LAG BA-OMER

Every year on the 18th of Iyar (this year it falls on the evening of May 8), bonfires are lit all over Israel as a symbol of the Lag ba-Omer holiday. Lag (the letters "lamed" and "gimel") means the 33rd day of the Omer, the period of seven weeks between the second day of Passover and the harvest festival of Shavuot.

The history of this date goes back to the second half of the 2nd century AD, when there was an uprising against the Roman authorities' regime, led by Bar-Kohba. Nowadays, honoring the rebels who fought for the Jewish statehood, on Lag ba-Omer, bonfires are lit, which in those days was a signal fire on the hills about the beginning of resistance.

Another miracle that happened on the 33rd day of Omer was the end of the terrible plague that killed almost 24,000 of Rebbe Akiva's disciples during the uprising.

Traditionally, on Lag Ba-Omer, three-year-old boys get their hair cut, the banning on marriage (which continues in the previous days of the Omer) is lifted, bonfires are lit, picnics are arranged, and family members have a good time.

 Photo: Yossi Zelinger

1 year…365 days….8760 hours of continuous work for victory, safety, for good and a bright future. It’s time to take stock, to analyze and to plan.
JNF-KKL - Ukraine mobilized all its forces to conduct active charitable activities in the conditions of military situation.

Happy Tu B'Shvat!

Tu B’Shvat, or New Year of the Trees, is a national Jewish holiday traditionally celebrated on the 15th of the month of Shvat.
The main concept of the holiday is human cooperation with the environment. Thus planting trees is considered to be a customary on this day, either in Israel or in Jewish communities around the world.The Jewish National Fund has been supporting this custom since 1908, because planting sprouts symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people with their land.

Jewish National Fund of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, donated a 90 kW superpower generator to the Janet and Harry Weinberg House for the Elderly Jews.
On this occasion, the Israeli diplomatic delegation and the management of JNF-KKL Ukraine visited the residents of the house, lit the third Hanukkah candle and sang songs. Jewish National Fund of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Embassy of the State of Israel in Ukraine, donated a 90 kW superpower generator to the Janet and Harry Weinberg House for the Elderly Jews.
On this occasion, the Israeli diplomatic delegation and the management of JNF-KKL Ukraine visited the residents of the house, lit the third Hanukkah candle and sang songs.

Another symbol of Sukkot is the "arbaat ha-minim" — etrog (a citrus fruit with a pleasant smell and taste), lulav (a branch of a date palm - the date is tasty, but no smell), myrtle (good smell, no taste) and willow (no smell and does not taste) — the four species of plants to fulfill the commandment to bless. Each plant represents a type of people and their relationship with God: smell as the studying of Torah, taste as good deeds.

Jewish National Fund - Ukraine sincerely congratulates you on Rosh Hashanah!

Every year on the 1st and 2nd of the month of Tishrei, Jewish people from all over the world celebrate the holiday of Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה) - "the head of the year". One of the most important holidays in the Jewish tradition, because this day begins the countdown to the next year as well as the Judgment of God is being proclaimed over the humanity.

The Jewish calendar is lunisolar, that is why every year the date of the holiday falls on different days. This time it is the evening of September 25th. There is a custom to greet Rosh Hashanah by the shofar blowing, a special musical instrument made from an animal horn.
Traditionally, some certain dishes are necessarily placed on the festive table. They symbolize something good for the coming year:• apples with honey and dates, to make the year sweet and pleasant;• fish head, always to be ahead "in the head, and not in the tail";• pomegranate, so that our good deeds are like seeds in a fruit.