Twenty years after One Israel Fund was established to help build Judea and Samaria—after 20 years of tireless efforts, 20 years of incredible investment of resources and manpower, 20 years of remarkable resilience and devotion by tens of thousands of pioneering men and women—there has been enormous growth throughout YESHA. On 40 square kilometers of ancient land, cities have grown and families have set up homes in the face of huge obstacles. The work of One Israel Fund combined with other heroic partners has completely transformed the landscape of Judea and Samaria. A land that consisted of a modest population of 75,000 in 1993 is now the proud home of nearly 400,000 residents.
Over $30 million has been invested in preventive security and infrastructure to build and secure over 140 communities in the area. This includes building schools and community centers, installing and maintaining high-tech preventive security systems, training and equipping first responders, purchasing and refitting armored ambulances and security vehicles, building playgrounds and respite centers.
Twenty years ago, only a few courageous pioneers would have dreamed of living under the dangerous conditions that plagued towns like Itamar. Today, this community— and countless others like it—are undergoing continuous growth and new families are building homes in thanks to One Israel Fund’s ongoing investments in security and community development.
The impact has been felt by the former residents of Gaza as well. While so many Israelis and others seemed to turn their backs on these forlorn families, One Israel Fund assisted them in any way possible. They donated educational scholarships, career retraining, summer camps and Chanukah toys for the children, built new synagogues, libraries and community centers, planted olive groves and other agricultural projects. One Israel Fund was with them in Gaza and then, following disengagement, stayed with them in their tent cities to their new beginnings in areas throughout Israel. One Israel Fund even went into Gaza to dismantle its own playgrounds and rebuilt in the new communities.
To address the newest anti-Zionist, anti-Jewish, anti-Israel political and propaganda efforts and the continuous violence, One Israel Fund spreads awareness and truthfulness through its grassroots efforts both here and in Israel. It organizes trips to YESHA, where packed bus-loads of tourists, rabbis, and politicians see the facts on the ground and come away as supporters and strong advocates for Israel, YESHA, and its residents.
To mark the 20th year since its inception, One Israel Fund is going to celebrate with a gala Anniversary Dinner on June 9th at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The organization will bestow its prestigious Shomer Yisroel Award upon the Honorable Alan Baker, former Israeli Ambassador to Canada, co-author of the Levy Report, and outspoken defender of Israel. Mr. Baker’s accomplishments during his tenure as ambassador is widely recognized and has led to Canada’s emergence as one of Israel’s staunchest supporters. His legal expertise was invaluable in providing the legal basis for Israel’s right to build and live in the areas of Judea and Samaria.
Please visit www.oneisraelfund.org/dinner or call 516.239.9202.
By Mordechai Kastlebaum
