Jeruham Council Head Clashes Publicly with KKL Chair Over Park Dispute

A public conflict between the Jeruham local council and the Jewish National Fund (KKL) escalated again on Tuesday. KKL Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky announced he had reached out to Jeruham Council Head Attorney Nili Aharon to arrange a meeting despite a violent incident last week at the Omer council building involving physical confrontation with police. Ostrinsky urged the Jeruham leadership to respond responsibly and coordinate a meeting soon to advance projects benefiting Jeruham residents.

Ostrinsky described receiving supportive messages from Jeruham residents following the incident and said that after internal discussions within KKL, they agreed to do their utmost to promote park projects despite the council’s obstacles. He emphasized that the residents, not the council head or himself, are the priority and said KKL proposed three possible dates for a meeting between mid-August and early September to discuss extending agreements and advancing initiatives.

In response, Aharon called Ostrinsky "a stressed and lying man" who had sent her abusive messages while she was hospitalized after the Omer incident. She accused him of political motives and of harming Jeruham and its lake. Aharon rejected his claim of attempting to schedule a meeting, stating that any meeting must be arranged formally, not via social media. She also said Ostrinsky and KKL must apologize to the council staff and residents for recent wrongdoings.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Jeruham’s local government and KKL over park management and funding, with both sides publicly exchanging accusations. Ostrinsky pledged transparency about the process going forward and expressed hope for cooperation to benefit the community.