Jewish National Fund Approves Unprecedented $260 Million Investment Plan for Northern Israel
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) board approved on Wednesday a historic investment plan totaling approximately 863 million shekels (around $260 million) aimed at developing northern Israel. Led by Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky, the plan treats the entire northern region as a unified area, spanning from the Lower Galilee and valleys to the northern conflict line. It addresses diverse development needs tailored to each community and responds to residents' requests.
The three-year budget allocates 362 million shekels for direct support to local authorities for infrastructure and environmental development. Another 150 million shekels will fund the purchase of apartments to be rented at reduced prices to education staff and teachers. Additionally, 120 million shekels will support the "Building Homeland Community" program to establish mission-oriented groups in the Galilee and northern areas, aiming to absorb about 1,200 new residents.
Further allocations include 100 million shekels for apartment purchases in mixed cities such as Nof HaGalil, Karmiel, and Acre; 76 million shekels to build four new JNF centers in Nahariya, Afula, Karmiel, and Tiberias; 32.5 million shekels for 12 communities near the border fence that had not previously received direct support; and 25 million shekels each for the Misgav Regional Council and for the towns of Hatzor HaGlilit and Rosh Pina, which lack national government support.
Additional investments include 11 million shekels to complete the Shibolet settlement in the Lower Galilee, 5 million shekels for Kfar Vradim, about 5 million shekels for cultural events in local authorities, and 2.5 million shekels for fire protection measures in Kibbutz Hanita.
Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky described the decision as one of the most significant in JNF's history, emphasizing the broad strategic support for environmental projects, housing, settlement, education, and culture across the entire northern region. He acknowledged that while the JNF is not replacing government responsibility, it provides immediate funding and unique projects tailored to community needs, especially in border settlements where government support is slower or lacking.
Ostrinsky also criticized the government's handling of northern development, referencing state comptroller reports and noting that JNF has become the primary actor on the ground, effectively addressing urgent challenges. He highlighted that the JNF invests "smart money" tied to specific projects with ongoing oversight, aiming for a holistic approach that engages residents through cultural and educational activities, effectively acting as a "mini-government."
