JNF Under Fire by WZO Comptroller

A scathing criticism of the operations of the Jewish National Fund and recommendations to correct various proced- ures was contained in the annual survey of the land development and reclamation agency by the Comptroller of the World Zionist Organization, published here. The 90-page survey did not challenge the basic objectives of the JNF but found fault with a variety of its activities.

Especially severe criticism was leveled at the transfer of JNF land to the Israel Lands Administration. The survey said inventories weren’t taken and no precise determination was made of the total land passed to the Lands Administration. The comptroller’s report said methods were lacking to keep account of the monies and that the lack of supervision over internal control and audit resulted in irregularities by an employers.

Shortcomings were also found in the tree planting program. The survey found faulty the JNF’s methods of receiving and transferring money to the head office, distributing certificates and arranging security. It said that JNF publications were found accumulated in store rooms and not distributed. The report said there was no clear definition between long-term and short-term JNF emissaries, especially as it applied to expenses the JNF was expected to underwrite.

The comptroller’s report also found lack of coordination between various JNF departments and the legal advisory unit. It said departments failed to obtain legal advice before undertaking certain activities. The report suggested an examination of the whole range of administrative problems relating to the exchange of JNF lands. It urged that clear and precise written instructions be issued on the various operations involved in this matter. The JNF has said it would comply with the request.