Israeli Farmer Claims KKL-JNF Backed Out of Deal to Re-establish Evacuated Farm

Gabi Demri, founder of the grazing farm at Mount Gilon, claims the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has reneged on its promise to re-establish the farm after its temporary evacuation a month prior. The farm was cleared following protests by residents of the nearby Arab town of Majd al-Krum. Demri alleges that KKL-JNF presented him with a restrictive agreement that requires his approval for even media interviews and prohibits him from working with volunteers who previously assisted him. He stated that when he inquired about his previous volunteers joining through the "HaShomer HaChadash" (The New Watch) organization, he received a definitive "no."

Demri explained that following the evacuation, he was assured the farm's relocation was temporary and that it would be rebuilt at an alternative site in coordination with KKL-JNF and "HaShomer HaChadash." However, he claims these promises remain unfulfilled, his goats are scattered across various locations, and he is incurring significant financial losses. He cited a post by KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrovsky, which promised the farm's re-establishment after Yom Kippur to prevent forest fires and ensure public safety for all residents, both Jewish and Arab, at a new location away from Majd al-Krum.

Demri further detailed that the proposed grazing agreement includes "absurd" conditions, such as requiring written permission from KKL-JNF or "HaShomer HaChadash" for any public statements, interviews, or even social media responses. He also claims he needs approval to bring anyone onto the farm's premises. He stated that he submitted a revised version of the agreement with his reservations, but has since lost contact with KKL-JNF officials, who he says are now waiting for legal counsel's instructions. He also mentioned that "HaShomer HaChadash" has also ceased contact, seemingly considering the matter closed.

One of the main points of contention, according to Demri, is the identity of the volunteers allowed to work at the farm. Previously, Demri was assisted by young religious men, including yeshiva students associated with "Noar HaGiv'a" (Hilltop Youth). The new agreement reportedly stipulates that volunteers can only operate through "HaShomer HaChadash," and his previous volunteers are explicitly barred, even if they apply through the organization. Demri argues there is no objective reason to exclude these young men, who he says have been instrumental in the farm's operation.

Nahar Shalom Abramovitch, an 18-year-old member of the group that established the farm, shared his disappointment with KKL-JNF's handling of the situation. He stated that the group, seeking meaningful pre-army service, built the farm with Demri but were forced to evacuate. He believes KKL-JNF initially supported their work, even recommending goats for their effectiveness in forest management, but changed their stance when the situation became politically charged. Abramovitch feels KKL-JNF is playing a double game by telling the volunteers they are merely Demri's associates while simultaneously telling Demri they do not want those specific volunteers. He expressed doubt about returning to Mount Gilon and is now seeking new opportunities, preferably in the Galilee region.