"Shavuot is a truly special time, when nature comes to life and the air carries a sense of renewal and bloom," Yaron Ohayon, KKL-JNF Manager of the Land Development Division, said. "It's the perfect opportunity to hike along KKL-JNF's forest trails. We invite the public to take advantage of the holiday to rediscover hidden gems and experience the beauty of Israel's forests."

Gal'ed Reservoir Lookout

The Gal'ed Reservoir Lookout offers a panoramic view and a picturesque setting near two prominent Mount Tabor oak trees. KKL-JNF foresters have built low retaining walls along the slope to prevent soil erosion and enhance water retention. These structures also serve as benches for visitors wishing to pause and enjoy the scenery.

What makes this site particularly unique is the absence of any towns or villages in view – only nature. Across the stream lies a grove of Mount Tabor oaks. Despite the natural setting, human intervention is evident: the valley contains two man-made reservoirs. Nahal Raz, a tributary of the Taninim River, was diverted to create the main reservoir, which collects reclaimed water and floodwater for irrigation.

How to get there:  Travel about 2.8 miles south of the Ein HaShofet junction on Route 672 (between kilometer markers 14–15), then turn west onto a paved road. Drive a short distance to the Oren Zamir Recreation Area. From the parking lot, walk approximately 1,600 feet westward to the end of the ridge, which gently slopes into the Taninim River valley. As with most ridgelines, the view from this point is spectacular.

Important note: Please remain on designated trails. Driving through cultivated fields or open terrain causes significant damage to both agricultural land and natural ecosystems.

https://www.kkl.org.il/parks_and_forests/ramat_menashe/

Alexander Stream

The Alexander Stream, stretching about 20 miles, is one of the largest rivers crossing the HaSharon region. Its tributaries originate in the Nablus region, between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. From there, the stream descends the western slopes of the Samarian hills into the Sharon region between Kokhav Ya'ir and Tayibe, where it bends in a wide arc northward before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea near Mikhmoret.

Draining an area of about 212 square miles, the Alexander Stream carries large volumes of water during the winter months. In the past, its narrow channel would often overflow, creating widespread swamps that flooded the entire Hefer Valley. These swamps were drained in the 1930s, during the early days of establishing Jewish communities in the area.

https://www.kkl.org.il/parks_and_forests/nachal-alexander-italy-park/

Ein Akuv Recreation Area in the Mevo Hama Forest

Ein Akuv is a small spring in the heart of Mevo Hama Forest. Its waters flow through built channels, forming a small stream. Shaded by eucalyptus and jujube trees is a recreation area and an overnight camping site serving hikers on the Golan Trail. The campground features two raised platforms and a windbreak wall to protect visitors from occasional western gusts.

The name Ein Akuv is linked to a historic roadside inn, the remains of which are located about 3,300 feet west of the spring, beneath the abandoned Syrian village of Tawfiq and near an old Syrian outpost of the same name.

From Ein Akuv, follow the Golan Trail downhill along a dirt path. After about a quarter mile, you'll reach a junction where you turn right to continue along the Golan Trail. Straight ahead lies the abandoned village of Upper Tawfiq, along with its deserted Syrian outpost. A short path to the left leads directly to a large concrete structure enclosed by a fence, easily visible from the junction.

https://www.kkl.org.il/recreation_areas_parking_lot_ein_akub/

Shefer Recreation Area

This picnic site is located near a bend on Route 866 on the road to Safed, nestled within a mature pine forest lining the upper channel of the Tzalmon River. In late winter, the area is especially scenic, with the stream flowing rapidly down a steep incline, forming a long cascade of small waterfalls. Visitors are encouraged to come early in the season, as the water flow typically ceases by April. The exact timing varies depending on annual rainfall. The site includes picnic tables, some of which are accessible.

https://www.kkl.org.il/recreation_areas_parking_lot_shefer/

Sharsheret Park - Nahal Grar

Sharsheret Park – Nahal Grar is a "green island" – a forest rising from the cultivated loess plains of the western Negev. The forest was planted on both banks of the Nahal Grar, one of the major tributaries of Nahal HaBesor. This section of the stream retains water for most of the year, making it a valuable natural resource for local wildlife. KKL-JNF has marked scenic routes for vehicles and bicycles and developed recreation areas with drinking water and accessible picnic tables. To the north lies Tel Haror, an archaeological site offering panoramic views and historical significance that add to the overall visitor experience.

https://www.kkl.org.il/parks_and_forests/grar_park/

Central Besor Route – Gemila Stream Pond

Nahal HaBesor drains a vast area stretching from Sde Boker to southern Mount Hebron, encompassing approximately 1,310 square miles, making it Israel's largest stream system flowing into the Mediterranean. Powerful floods from its tributaries in Mount Hebron create natural springs throughout the western Negev, where small communities have existed since prehistoric times. The largest spring, Ein HaBesor, is now part of the HaBesor National Park.

As Nahal HaBesor crosses the western Negev, it cuts through layers of soft loess – fine particles transported by wind from Sinai and North Africa. Beneath this layer, ancient sands and coastal rock occasionally surface, offering geological evidence of marine incursions over hundreds of thousands of years.

From the designated parking area, a newly built trail leads quickly down to Nahal HaBesor. At the confluence with Gemila Stream, visitors will find a large water pool surrounded by reeds and tamarisk trees. Gemila Stream (Arabic: Jimaleh), a short waterway less than 1.2 miles long, is marked on old maps. Nearby is a manmade cistern carved into kurkar (calcareous sandstone), with water channels etched into the surrounding rock.

From the pool, visitors may return the way they came or continue left along the HaBesor streambed toward the Yeruham–Negev water pipeline road, completing a loop back to the starting point at the HaBesor Route junction.

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Over the weekend, the Jewish National Fund-USA launched its Global Conference for Israel at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. The conference, which officially opened on November 15 and featured a Shabbat dinner, centered on the theme "We Choose Life: Rebuilding and Reimagining Israel's North and South," bringing together over 2,500 supporters from across the world, according to reports from PR Newswire and FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth. Jewish actor and comedian Michael Rapaport served as emcee for the event.

Live with the one and only @michaelrapaport, our incredible emcee for tonight's Gala Dinner at the Global Conference for Israel! #JNFGC24 #PoweredByJNF pic.twitter.com/HXL0TXFUKQ

— Jewish National Fund-USA (@JNFUSA) November 17, 2024

"When we come together, we are unstoppable. Indeed, one of the greatest things about Jewish National Fund-USA is that we're not about Right or Left, red or blue, we're about the land and the people of Israel," Jewish National Fund-USA President Deb Zaluda told attendees during her opening remarks.

Conference Co-chair Michael Miller addressed the organization's emergency response efforts: "5784 was a horrific year all around the world. You – we – came together urgently to fight antisemitism and to support our brethren in Israel. Jewish National Fund-USA immediately started providing emergency relief, as well as monthly volunteer missions and community events. Together, we're building a future that will have a lasting impact for generations to come."

The gathering featured prominent Israeli leaders, including Mayor of Eshkol Michal Uziyahu and Commander of the Emergency Squad of Kfar Giladi Nisan Zeevi. Uziyahu emphasized the resilience of communities under pressure, stating, "When confronted with such darkness, we face a crucial choice. We can passively watch as history unfolds around us, or we can actively choose to shape it. By choosing life, light, and hope, we follow in the footsteps of generations before us… who refused to be merely victims of circumstance."

Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell Robinson reflected on recent events, noting, "The stories that will be written about October 7 will be about the over 1,200 people who were murdered, raped, and massacred... yet the stories should also be about the bravery of the 60,000 people in the Israel envelope and the 120,000 people in the north who had to leave their homes and became refugees in their own land."

Shabbat Shalom from the JNF-USA Global Conference! The energy is electric as over 2,500 passionate Zionists will gather tonight for Shabbat dinner. Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous Shabbat filled with unity, connection, and Israel pride!#JNFGC24 #PoweredByJNF #Israel pic.twitter.com/9yEVAWCuCk

— Jewish National Fund-USA (@JNFUSA) November 15, 2024

 The conference this year aims, in part, to provide a counterweight to pro-Palestinian activism spreading across university campuses, including UT Dallas, according to SMU Political Science Professor Matthew Wilson.

"The vast majority of Jewish Americans believe in the legitimacy of the state of Israel," he said. "Now, they vary in their assessment of specific Israeli government policies, particularly with regards to the conduct of the war in Gaza or Israeli actions in Lebanon. I think the organizers of this conference, to some degree, want to push back on that and to rally support among younger people for the Israeli position," Wilson said.

However, opposition to the Israeli prime minister's war strategy continues to increase. Outside the conference venue, Palestinian solidarity demonstrators made their presence known, with police arresting several protesters during a street sit-in on Thursday.

"You have both Jews that have an interest in this, and you have non-Jews who have an interest in this," said Kenneth Gray with the University of New Haven. "And so you have quite a few voices that are speaking out against Israel."

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As one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world since 1998, Russell Robinson's journey to the top of the Jewish National Fund is an inspiring story. Growing up in the small town of El Paso, Texas, where he experienced anti-Semitism, Robinson was instilled with a love for Israel and Zionism by his family despite never visiting the country.

"For my grandfather, Israel was always an important unifying home for every Jew," Robinson recalls fondly. His first experience of seeing Jews truly enjoying themselves came when asked to volunteer to organize a summer camp for El Paso's Jewish community children.

When the devastating Oct. 7 onslaught was happening, Robinson was on a plane to Israel. Two hours before landing, his phone lit up with grave alerts far beyond the usual missile alert warnings. He quickly messaged friends in the area, including the late Ofir Libstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, who responded with a praying hands emoji shortly before being murdered.

This catalyzed the JNF's efforts to rehabilitate the battered Gaza periphery region through its "Build Together" program. Though skeptical they could recruit even two dozen volunteers willing to work in an active war zone at their own expense, over 200 signed up immediately, with more on waiting lists.

"We understood we're all in the same boat," Robinson says. To date, around 3,500 volunteers from across the United States have participated, with more coming through year's end.

The JNF creatively ensured all parties benefited by supporting 151 small Israeli businesses in purchasing aid packages of local produce like wine, cheese, and chocolate for evacuees, hospitalized individuals, and soldiers. Over 13,900 packages have been acquired so far.

When asked about the rising US antisemitism potentially driving more American Jews to make aliyah, Robinson emphasizes the contemporary desire to move to the Jewish state is rooted in positive motivations rather than necessity. However, he argues, Jewish institutions must reinvest in education to properly equip the thousands of university students currently ill-prepared to address the issue.

Regarding the complex International Criminal Court situation with potential arrest warrants for Israeli leadership, Robinson advocates focusing on Israel's strengths and victories instead of getting mired in problematic political arenas.

"There are 25% who will always hate us, but I choose to invest in the 25% who will always love us, and the 50% confused in the middle," he states. "Let's solve this confusion through the beauty of who we are as a people and state."

The post 'This is our strength and beauty': The US volunteers saving the economy of Israeli border towns appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Israel Hayom spoke with JNF Chairman Daniel Atar ahead of the Israel Hayom Forum for US-Israel Relations on June 27.

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"The status and importance of US Jewry for Israel over the years cannot be overstated. The Jewish lobby and its influence on Congress and the Senate are also vital to Israel. Therefore, the relations between JNF-Israel and its partners in the US have been deep and warm for many years," Atar says. (US donations to the JNF exceed $150 million per year, compared to donations from everywhere else, which amount to about two-thirds of that sum.)

Q: When talking about Israel and the US, the term "special relationship" is mentioned. Does that apply to the relationship between JNF-Israel and the US, too?

"Naturally, we have many envoys spread across the US, and we support the activity of Jewish communities throughout America. We are also part of the fight against BDS. Five years ago, JNF International signed an agreement with JNF-USA that sets down rules for their relationship.

"We are working in complete harmony and cooperating well with JNF-USA in the vast majority of cases. This means that there is almost no field in which they don't support us or there is not cooperation between us, whether it's in academia, schools, youth movements, industry, handling the water crisis in Beersheba or the Arava, aid to farmers, and more. At this stage, we're trying to direct all our supporters to the Galilee and the Negev, with the goal of strengthening them and thereby strengthening Israel."

In addition to ongoing cooperation, the JNF has also decided to sue Hamas in a US court for the environmental damage that the terrorist group is causing in the western Negev. The lawsuit is currently in its final stages before being filed.

Looking for the next leaders

Atar says that the JNF is emphasizing what he defines as "our major struggle, which has existed for decades and more now than ever, against one of the phenomena that concerns us most – assimilation. In the US, it is increasing to over 70%, so the issue must be addressed and we must find the proper way of dealing with it."

Q: What does that mean?

"The main thing we're doing about it is informal education at JNF branches throughout the world. The goal is twofold: to strengthen Jewish identity and to strengthen ties to Israel. We are using a variety of methods: delegations, lectures, films, and youth movement programs, from the third grade until they reach adulthood, over the course of [many] years. Our goal is for at least some of them to become leaders in their own communities. It's obvious to us that those who become part of a world of Jewish 'content' through youth movement activity don't lose their Jewish identity and bond with Israel. Sometimes it is successful and sometimes, unfortunately, the objective numbers cause us to fail. Ultimately, US Jewry has enthusiastic Zionist supporters across the political spectrum and in this matter, the plurality of opinions is actually a source of great strength."

The land is still being redeemed

Sitting in the JNF building stirs up historic memories. It played an important role when Israel declared its independence. On Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations declared an end to the British Mandate and that the land would be partitioned between a Jewish and an Arab state, and the leaders of the Yishuv gathered in the JNF building to confer on whether they would accept the resolution and declare an independent Jewish state. In 1988, a decision was made to turn most of the building into a museum devoted to JNF activity and its contributions to the State of Israel. The question of how relevant the JNF was came up even before the idea was floated.

"The JNF is more relevant today than ever," Atar says.

"Apart from the urgent issue of strengthening Jewish identity and links to Israel, the basic matter has not changed – we are still carrying out the commandment on which the JNF was founded: redeeming land. I discovered that a lot of people don't often know that, there are battles against strong forces who bring in money from abroad, the United Arab Emirates for example, that was raised to try and take control of land in our homeland.

"In the past year and a half, the JNF has invested about 500 million shekels ($150 million) in acquiring land, mostly for farmers who are on the verge of bankruptcy. We bought it and immediately leased it to them so they could keep working it. It won't go to waste, and we will keep producing food in Israel. That is how we defend the state's borders, our hold on the land, and the supreme value of Zionism. To that, add our support for youth movements worldwide, putting together work plans and training counselors … and ingraining Zionism, mostly through the delegations of teachers who teach at Jewish schools that we bring to Israel and expose to all the JNF's various activities."

Relocation to Dimona

The main tenet of the JNF's vision for the coming decades is its Israel 2040 plan. The plan is taken into account in all JNF activities and carries extra weight.

"The idea began to take form only a few months ago. The main goal is to bring half a million new residents to the Galilee and a million new residents to the Negev. I'm already waiting to talk with the finance minister in the next government about a budget and getting it started right away."

The plan's official and catchy name is "Relocation Israel – JNF is building the land of tomorrow." Atar is completely committed to it.

"The game-changer that we believe makes it possible to implement the plan is Israeli technology, which does wondrous things and is in demand worldwide. We intend to turn the Galilee into a world powerhouse of food-tech, agro-tech, and biotech. The Negev – in conjunction with the IDF's technology units, which are moving their bases to the South – will make it into a capital of cybertech, security and defense industry, and artificial intelligence."

Q: What are the main emphases of the plan?

"The important goal is to create a demographic change by bringing in a new, strong population that can depend on itself economically, unlike what is happening now. The stress will be on high-tech villages, science campuses, and high-end R and D centers. Alongside them, we'll set up smart cities that are capable of taking in a young, strong, and lively population, and supply everything they need. By doing so, we hope to attract investors and developers, engineers and programmers, young families and students from Israel and all over the world.

"Instead of relocating to Silicon Valley in California, they'll want to relocate to Beersheba and Kiryat Shmona, Nazareth Illit and Dimona. That's a real revolution, and it all stems from the understanding that the strategic strength of the State of Israel depends on there being a healthy and balanced Israeli population, not only in central Israel, which is what we have currently."

Atar is not forgetting the role Diaspora Jews will play in bringing the plan to fruition.

"I believe that Diaspora Jews can and should play a major role in achieving this goal. First of all by making aliyah and moving to those areas. That's not supposed to happen in a vacuum, but rather as part of a complete plan we'll be spearheading in the next few years. I am appealing to them directly: you can be part of meeting Zionism's biggest challenge in the next few decades, and join the many Jews who have already come to Israel in the years the state has existed."

Atar says that "on the most basic level, there's nothing like seeing for yourself to understand the importance of the JNF. It's not by chance that there are thousands of kilometers of bike trails and thousands of acres of trees that have made Israel the only country in the world in which the number of trees grows from year to year. We are present in every aspect of what Israel is: information education, youth activity, pre-army preparatory academies, and now, of course, the cherry on the cake – bringing people to live in the Galilee and the Negev.

"It gives me great satisfaction on a personal level, too. The vitality of the JNF increases every day, and as long as I'm in this role, we will do everything to reach that goal."

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