The Jewish National Fund of America announced the largest fundraising goal in its history this week – $8,500,000 for its 1980 campaign year – to meet the “unprecedented need for land reclamation and development in Israel arising out of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty.” Rabbi William Berkowitz, JNF president, made the announcement following his election for a second two-year term at a meeting of JNF officers. Berkowitz, who is also the spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun; explained the JNF had been encouraged to set the record-breaking goal in view of its experience during the past years, which he reported had been “among the most successful fundraising years” in the 78-year history of the JNF.
“The mounting turmoil in the Middle East and the unrest among Arab nations places an even greater urgency on the need for a stable and secure State of Israel. The peace process between Israel and Egypt, and the continuing friendship of Egypt and the moderates of the Arab nations, is predicated on the strength and viability of the Jewish state, “he said. “To help secure the peace, the JNF has launched the most extensive work schedule it has ever undertaken, to create new opportunities for living and working in the Jewish state. By cultivating and developing large segments of land both in the Negev and in the Galilee -for agricultural use, for population redistribution, and for economic development -the JNF is making vital and direct contributions in the building of a stronger and more secure Israel.”
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