Jewish National Fund Cancels Staff Event, Losing Over $250,000 Amid Labor Dispute

An employee appreciation event for the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which was set to feature performances by artists Shlomi Shabat and Pablo Rosenberg, was abruptly canceled just a day before its scheduled date at Amphitheater Shuni. The cancellation resulted in a loss of over one million shekels (approximately $270,000) from the JNF's budget.

The decision to cancel was prompted by a directive from the head of the workers' committee, Israel Goldstein, who urged all JNF employees to boycott the event. Consequently, the JNF's management was compelled to call off the entire affair.

In a letter to staff, JNF Director General Ilan Shohat stated that the cancellation caused significant financial damage to the public fund and argued that the workers' committee's decision undermined the dignity and standing of the employees themselves. Since the event was planned outside of working hours, management lacked the legal means to compel attendance.

The dramatic cancellation highlights a deepening conflict between the workers' representatives and the new management, led by Chairman Eyal Ostrovsky and Director General Shohat. The tension stems from a comprehensive efficiency plan that includes halting the significant increase in personnel numbers seen in recent years and transferring the management of welfare budgets, totaling approximately seven million shekels, from the workers' committee back to the organization's management.

Conversely, the workers' committee has leveled serious accusations against the management. Chairman Goldstein asserted that the boycott was a response to the management's ongoing disregard for the workers' representatives and a policy that allegedly harms employee rights. Goldstein stated, "The JNF Workers' Committee will continue to act decisively for the employees and protect their rights, even against management that abuses them and acts for political reasons," dismissing the management's claims and accusing them of smear attempts.