Friend --
The board of the Jewish National Fund in Israel (JNF-KKL) has passed a resolution that could direct hundreds of millions of dollars in JNF donations toward buying up land to construct and expand unlawful Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
For many -- like me and my family -- the JNF historically represented the collective effort of the Jewish people globally to create a home for a homeless people in their ancient land. It's an iconic institution with a storied past and my parents and their generation remember their meaningful contributions many decades ago toward building a state through the JNF.
Sadly, with this move, the JNF-KKL has publicly proclaimed itself a willing agent of entrenching occupation, promoting annexation and empowering the far-right settlement movement. This move doesn't help build the state of Israel, it threatens its democratic future and erodes prospects for peace. And it puts self-determination and freedom further out of reach for millions of Palestinians.
J Street is joining with Jewish organizations around the world to call on JNF-KKL to reverse this dangerous decision: Add your name now on behalf of American Jews >>
While we’re aware that the JNF-KKL (which is distinct from JNF-US) has purchased land in the West Bank through subsidiaries without approval for years, this new decision will significantly boost and formalize those operations. It’s a clear and brazen new effort to entrench Israeli control of the West Bank permanently.
While JNF-KKL claims to act on behalf of diaspora Jews, we know from our regular J Street polling that the overwhelming majority of American Jews, more than 80%, oppose unlimited settlement expansion.
Join the international coalition and stand up to this affront to our values. Add your name now >>
Thank you -- and happy Purim to all who celebrate.
Yours,
Shaina Wasserman
J Street Vice President of Communal Relations
