A year after October 7, Israeli farmers from the South need help to rebuild

Since October 7, 2023, those living in the Gaza border communities have faced unimaginable hardship. The tragic events of that day not only claimed lives and destroyed homes but also ravaged fields, poultry farms, and cattle ranches that used to represent the lifeblood of the region. Fires set by Hamas, coupled with large swaths of land being designated as military zones by the IDF, have left these farmers without access to their fields, their greenhouses, and, most critically, their livelihoods.

In this time of dire need, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has stepped up, working tirelessly to prepare 9,400 dunams (2,300 acres) of new agricultural land in the Eshkol and Merhavim regions near the border with Gaza. This effort is nothing s hort of a lifeline for these communities, offering a chance to rebuild, replant, and restore hope. KKL-JNF’s chairperson, Yifat Ovadia-Luski, underscores the importance of this mission: "The farmers of Israel, especially those in the Gaza Envelope, are the pioneers of our time, demonstrating true Zionism. Our work here is essential to ensure they can return to their fields and sustain their families and communities."   (Read More)