Fund Raising Status of J.N.F. in U.S. Clarified by Jewish Agency

A statement clarifying the status of the Jewish. National Fond within the Israel fund raising set-up in the United States was issued here today by the Jewish Agency executive. The statement reads:

“The Jewish National Fund, over a period of 50 years, has been one of the most dynamic and effective factors in the acquisition and development of the land of Israel. In addition, the Jewish National Fund has forged ahead as one of the great vehicles of Zionist education and of promoting understanding and good will for Israel.

“The last World Zionist Congress taking place in Jerusalem in 1951 called upon the Jewish people throughout the world to increase their efforts on behalf of the Jewish National Fund in order to enable it to continue its historical task in Israel in the field of land acquisition, land development, land preparation for settlement, housing, industrial establishments and a forestation. The Jewish National Fund was declared as one of the two major funds for the up building of Israel.

“In accordance with this decision, the Jewish National Fund retains its autonomy in carrying on its functions in Israel as well as in financial and fund raising activities in Israel and elsewhere. In the United States the Jewish National Fund is authorized to continue its traditional fund raising collections and strengthen them in order to fulfill its important tasks in Israel. It is understood that the Jewish National Fund will arrange the timing of its fund raising projects in order to give priority to the United Jewish Appeal campaigns as the major fund raising effort for Israel’s up building and development. Similarly, the Jewish National Fund will conduct its publicity for its traditional collections in a way as to avoid infringements on UJA campaigns.

“In accordance with the decisions of the Zionist Congress, the Jewish National Fund, which up to January 1, 1952 was an equal partner of the Keren Hayesod in the United Israel Appeal, is now no longer a partner in the United Israel Appeal and does not request nor receive direct allocations from welfare funds. However, in recognition of the important tasks which the Jewish National Fund performs in Israel the Zionist Actions Committee grants a yearly allocation to the Jewish National Fund in order to help it cover its considerable budget requirements.

“In the United States this amount is being paid in dollars by the United Israel Appeal from the proceeds of the United Jewish Appeal. But it should be made clear, at the same time, that this allocation does not cover the whole budget of the Jewish National Fund which is therefore dependent to a large degree on its traditional collections to be able to discharge its vital tasks in Israel. All Zionists and friends of Israel are being called upon to continue to lend their support to the Jewish National Fund for its traditional fund raising activities.”