Keren Hayesod - United Israel Appeal

Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal is the central fundraising organization for Israel throughout the world (except in the USA where it is known as the United Jewish Communities). It operates in 45 countries on every continent through 57 campaigns under the terms of the “Keren Hayesod Law, 5716-1956” passed by the Knesset, in January 1956, and is a duly registered corporation in the State of Israel. In the UK it is known as the United Jewish Israel Appeal.

According to its own website it, 'works to further the national priorities of the State of Israel and Israeli society, with special emphasis on advancing weaker communities; nurturing disadvantaged and marginalized youth; encouraging aliyah; implementing rescue operations; and connecting young Diaspora Jews to Israel and Jewish life.'

History

Keren Hayesod was established in July 7-24, 1920 at the World Zionist Conference in London and officially declared in December 24, 1920. The resolution adopted called on "the whole Jewish people", Zionists and non-Zionists alike to do its duty to the land of Israel through Keren Hayesod. Jewish communities throughout the world established local campaigns under the Keren Hayesod umbrella, often using local names (UIA, UJIA, IUA, CJA, AUJF).

According to the Reconstitution Agreement of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Keren Hayesod is one of the three constituent bodies of the JAFI (along with the World Zionist Organization (WZO) and the Jewish Federations of North America (including its subsidiary the United Israel Appeal (UIA) - formerly known as the United Jewish Communities (UJC) of the USA)) and provides 20 per cent of the representatives on the Board of Governors and the Assembly. Keren Hayesod occupies four places on the JAFI Executive.

External links

• Keren Hayesod official site
• UIA – United Israel Appeal, in Australia
• United Jewish Israel Appeal, UK branch