‘Now is the time for everyone to help Israeli farmers’ say KKL-JNF workers

Keren Kaymeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund employees participated in the “National Assistance for Israeli Farmers” initiative and volunteered in picking vegetables and at packing plants throughout the country.

Teams of KKL-JNF workers went out to assist in the harvest and at packing centers for farmers in Tirosh, Tzrufa, Eitan, Netzer Hazani, and the communities in the Emek Hefer Regional Council. The initiative is now expected to expand to additional areas.

“Israeli farmers throughout the country are understaffed for the harvest, and many farms are in danger of collapse,” said Israel Goldstein, Chair of the Workers Union. “Everyone needs to understand that without the farmers, we simply won’t have anything to eat. Now is the time for all of us to stand by their side. I am proud of our employees who came to volunteer, and we will continue to help farmers wherever needed.”

The workers picked zucchini, peppers, pomegranates, and cucumbers and joined in the olive harvest and packaging of the products. KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski and Israel Goldstein, Chairman of the KKL-JNF Workers Union, participated in the picking with the KKL-JNF employees.

During the October 7 terrorist attacks, many farmers and their workers were murdered, kidnapped, injured, or declared missing. The fighting led to the flight of thousands of foreign workers, in addition to the shortage of tens of thousands of agricultural workers that existed even before the outbreak of hostilities.

The initiative is one of the many projects carried out by the KKL-JNF to support Israelis in need throughout the war. KKL–JNF employees have also donated over a million shekels from their vacation days to purchase equipment and food for the IDF soldiers, the organization announced this week.

Through this donation, teams from KKL–JNF's employees' organization have sent thousands of hot meals, clothing, logistical and tactical equipment to soldiers stationed in the southern and northern areas since the beginning of the war. The employees also prepare fresh pizzas and distribute them to soldiers on the front lines in the south and north.

Many vital projects have been made possible thanks to the support of KKL-JNF friends worldwide. To donate to KKL-JNF and support Israelis in need and soldiers, click here.

This article was written in cooperation with KKL-JNF.