KKL-JNF launches NIS 100 million climate initiative across Israel

Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is launching a nationwide climate resilience initiative worth approximately 100 million shekels, aimed at helping 37 regional councils across Israel prepare for the growing effects of climate change. The program will focus on translating climate preparedness plans into practical measures, including improved water management, renewable energy development, infrastructure protection and preparations for extreme weather events.

The initiative, known as "Regional Climate," was approved by KKL-JNF's Board of Directors and expanded at the initiative of the organization's world chairman, Eyal Ostrinsky. It follows a State Comptroller's report revealing significant gaps in local authorities' preparedness for climate change. According to the report, 154 local authorities, approximately 60% of the country's total, have yet to develop climate adaptation plans. Among Israel's 54 regional councils, only eight have prepared such plans.

Developed by KKL-JNF's Climate and Sustainability Division, the initiative will concentrate on regional councils, which together cover approximately 85% of Israel's territory, including most of its agricultural land and open spaces. Each participating council will be able to conduct local climate risk assessments, appoint a senior official responsible for climate issues, establish operational frameworks and advance projects designed to strengthen its resilience to environmental threats.

To help ensure the plans are implemented, KKL-JNF has partnered with the nonprofit organization Aclima, which will receive approximately 9 million shekels to provide professional guidance throughout the process, from initial planning and project development to implementation and ongoing operations. "We have no other country, and that is why we at KKL-JNF are not waiting for others," Ostrinsky said. "Our partnership with local authority leaders has always proven that they are best positioned to turn our vision into reality, because they are the ones who know the realities on the ground, day in and day out, hour by hour."

Ostrinsky said the initiative reflected the organization's commitment to taking practical action alongside local authorities rather than relying solely on long-term planning. "We are taking action and delivering solutions on the ground together with local authority leaders to secure the future of the home we all share. If we do not address climate-related damage now, before it is too late, most of it will become impossible to repair in the future."