The Kinneret Innovation Centre is a world-class technology hub designed to encourage global impact. KIC leverages its fertile setting to ignite industry innovation and was founded in partnership by KKL-JNF, Zemach Regional Industries and Kinneret Academic College.

Kiryat Shmona’s location, in close proximity to the Lebaneseborder, makes it a target for rocket fire cross-border attacks.Since the start of the war, the city has been hit by hundredsof rockets, missiles and drones. As a result, its displacedresidents have been scattered throughout the country.

Misgav Am is the northern most Kibbutz in Israel, situated onthe rim of the Galilee Panhandle and bordering Lebanon. Asthe war broke on October7 the population of the kibbutzquickly evacuated, leaving the warriors of Kitat Konenut tohold their ground until IDF reinforcements arrived. Thestrategic location had to be kept as the enemy could havemade a great benefit of the view down to the north of theGalilee. We will see the viewpoint of Lebanon from theKibbutz and visit the IDF soldier outpost.

The proximity of Manara to the Lebanese border made itvulnerable in the war between Israel and Hezbollah.Rockets and explosive drones fired from Lebanon damagedthe majority of homes, turning the tiny community into asymbol of the heavy toll taken by the terror group’s attacks.The kibbutz’s 300 residents were among the 60,000 Israelisevacuated by the government from communities along theLebanese border during the 14-month conflict withHezbollah.

Enjoy an evening of tradition Israeli folk songs with Miel atthe Gomeh Hotel. Miel is a local artist who shares heartfeltmusic and Hassidic stories

This is part of KKL-JNF’s nationwide “House of Excellence”initiative, dedicated to empowering youth in Israel’speriphery through free, dynamic informal education focusedon core subjects, science, and technology. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative curricula, these centres aimto empower the next generation with the skills needed forfuture success.

This is an extraordinary kibbutz in the Galilee for adults withspecial needs. The past year has been one of the mostchallenging periods in Kishorit’s history. As a unique homefor individuals with special needs, Kishorit’s mission hasalways been to provide a safe, supportive environment forits members. However, the escalation of conflict sinceOctober 8th has profoundly tested the resilience of thecommunity and the resources they rely on to sustain it.

The bond between Jewish and Druze fighters serving in the IDFis referred to as a “covenant of blood.” After more than twodecades of loyal service, Alim Abdallah was about to experiencecivilian life. A military discharge ceremony was planned forOctober 9, and two days later he was due to start a master’sdegree. Instead of celebrating, his family and friends gatheredin their thousands to pay their last respects. Abdallah, 40, alieutenant colonel in the IDF, was killed on Israel’s northernborder with Lebanon on October 9. Mona, Alim’s widow willshare her story with us.

A non-profit organisation with the mission of making in-depthgeopolitical knowledge about the Middle East accessible toEnglish speakers. Their work addresses the changing culturalclimate and current trends in Muslim societies in light ofother events in Israel’s neighboring countries, while focusingon how they all impact the IDF’s security challenges alongIsrael’s volatile northern border

The Healing Village, established after the October 7th attacks,provides critical support for Israelis recovering from trauma.Since its inception, it has offered over 30,000 hours oftherapy to more than 12,000 individuals, including survivorsof the Nova attack, bereaved families, soldiers, policeofficers, medical teams, and others affected by the conflict.By the end of 2024, it reached over 30,000 people.JNF Australia is supporting the expansion of the RishponHealing Village, enabling the centre to double its capacity andpotentially serve 60,000 people annually.

For more than three decades, Peter Smaller OAM and LesRosenfeld have served as JNF Australia board membersembodying values of strengthening our community’sconnection to Israel, supporting environmental and socialimpact projects, and guiding our mission with passion andintegrity. Join us in celebrating over 30 years of remarkableservice, leadership, and unwavering commitment to KKL, JNFAustralia, and the people of Israel.

Visit Beit Alami, a community space that was revitalisedaround a decade ago with the support of KKL-JNFAustralia. Meet with kibbutz members and hear firsthandaccounts of the October 7 attack, when terroristsinfiltrated the area by sea. Hundreds of IDF soldiers werestationed in Zikim to defend the kibbutz and thesurrounding region. After the evacuation of soldiers fromthe community hall, JNF Australia once again stepped in—renovating the hall through their emergency campaign,enabling the community to come together once more.

Founded in 1943, the kibbutz is situated about 10 km south ofAshkelon. On October 7, 2023, during the Hamas terrorattack on Israel, the kibbutz was attacked by dozens ofterrorists. The terrorists were repelled before achieving theirplan, though two soldiers lost their lives in the battle.Following the attack, the residents were evacuated. Asignificant number have since returned, now working torebuild the local economy and community in the midst ofongoing conflict.

Netiv Ha’Asara, a moshav founded in 1982, is home to apopulation of 900. Following the Israeli disengagement fromGaza in 2005, Netiv Ha’Asara became the closest Israelicommunity to the Gaza Strip. On October 7th, Hamas terroristsinfiltrated the moshav and murdered 20 of its residents. Thevictims of the attack are commemorated by a garden with anIsraeli flag surrounded by twenty olive trees. This is the largestIsraeli flag in Israel.

Meet Ori Esptein the newly elected Head of Sha’ar HaNegevRegional Council who lost 5 family members on October 7,includig his brother-in-law Ofir Lipstein z”l, the late Head ofSha’ar Hanegev. Join us for the corner stone layingceremony for a new Innovation Centre planned to househigh tech entrepreneurial and startup companies offeringprofessional support for a wide range of enterprises,including coworking spaces, startup acceleratorsdevelopment centres and technological incubators

Growing up in Be’er Sheva, Davidi studied at the high schoolyeshiva in Karnei Shomron. From there, he went on to becomean officer in an elite IDF unit. He then began his publicactivities. Davidi has held the position as Mayor for the past 10years. Since 2001, Sderot has been the target of many rocketsfrom the Gaza strip. On October 7, Hamas terrorists attackedSderot engaging in fire fights with Israeli police and civilians.11 members of the Israel Police Department were killedtogether with over 50 civilians. JNF emergency funds weresent directly to Sderot to support their urgent needs. We willpay our respects at the Police Station Monument.

Erez Freibach worked as a senior executive for Israelicompanies, living between Silicon Valley and Israel. He was afinance manager at Indigo before it was sold to HP for $830million, and has held senior positions in large communicationscompanies such as multinational 3Com and Israeli companyAtrica. Today he is co-founder and CEO of Zutacore and willaddress entrepreneurship in light of war.

Soon after the State of Israel’s establishment, immigrantscame to Yeroham from the earth’s four corners—EasternEurope, the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Yeroham Heritage House Museum showcases their storieswhich to this day infuse the town’s cadences, cuisine,handicrafts, and music.

Soroka, located 40 km from the Gaza Border, took in thewounded after the Hamas terrorist attacks. Working 36-hourshifts, the staff have seen the unimaginable. Hear directlyfrom Soroka Medical Centre CEO, Dr Shlomi Codish, andmeet recovering soldiers from the front line.JNF emergency funds were sent directly to the hospital topurchase life saving equipment.

On October 7, Nir Oz was severely impacted by one of themost brutal attacks on southern Israel, with 117 of its 400residents either killed or kidnapped. Nir Oz has long been animportant part of Israeli agriculture, and the return to fullagricultural productivity is vital for the kibbutz and thebroader community. The recently purchased combineharvester by JNF Australia plays a key role in this restoration,helping ensure a stable and prosperous future for Nir Oz andits residents.

A moshav in Eshkol located 6km from the Gaza border,founded in 1982 by 75 Sinai evacuated families following theIsrael-Egypt peace treaty. With few weapons and a small localdefence squad, the moshav heroes saved the small communityand eliminated invading terrorists. 2 squad members werewounded. JNF emergency funds were sent directly to the kibbutz tosupport their urgent needs.

Eran is Mayor of Israel’s largest regional council which covers 22% of Israel’s territory but has only 0.1% of her population.Eran is devoted to exemplifying David Ben-Gurion’spioneering spirit and vision to populate and develop theNegev. Ramat HaNegev has absorbed over 2000 evacuees.Eran will discuss the absorption process and his vision for thefuture.JNF emergency funds were sent directly to the municipalityto support the absorption of evacuees.

The kibbutz was established in 1978 and relocated to the Eshkol Region in 1982 as part of the Nahal settlement after the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty in 1979. On October 7, Hamas terrorists took the lives of 15 Holit members. 2 of the 9 hostages are still in captivity. Today the kibbutz has been relocated to Kibbutz Ein Gedi, Netzer Sereni and Revivim.

JNF emergency funds were sent directly to the kibbutz to support their urgent needs.

Following the peace agreements with Egypt and the withdrawal from the Sinai in 1982, Kibbutz Sufa was relocated to its current location near the border crossing between Egypt and Gaza in southern Israel. On October 7 dozens of terrorists stormed the kibbutz. The kibbutz emergency squad identified the terrorists at an early stage, killed several of them and stopped most of the terrorists from entering the kibbutz, protecting the lives of about 200 local residents. Three members of the kibbutz were murdered in the attack. JNF emergency funds were sent directly to the kibbutz to support their urgent needs.

In 2024 our Blue Box Rosh Hashanah campaign successfully supported the implementation of the first ImagineBox at this school. Hagivah serves 400 students between the ages of 6- 12 years. ImagineBox is an immersive educational space equipped with creative and therapeutic tools designed to aid in the healing process. Through a combination of mindfulness practices and interactive exercises, it creates a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore their experiences, express their emotions, and build resilience.

The car wall is a pile of burnt cars west of Tkuma in the Gaza envelope, resembling the shape of a wall. Originally, this pile was created by evacuating the burnt cars from Route 232 and other places after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in general, and the massacre at the Nova Festival in particular. Later, the wall of burnt cars became a memorial to the massacre that took place at the festival.

This is where the music festival was being held with thousands of young people celebrating peace. Early in the morning of October 7, they were overrun by Hamas terrorists.
This site was created as a plea for action and a reminder of the unresolved hostage crisis.

Located at the confluence of Besor Stream and Gerar Stream in the north-western Negev desert, it falls under the jurisdiction of Eshkol Regional Council. In 2008, Re’im launched a solar power project, becoming the first community in Israel and possibly the world fully powered by solar energy for domestic use. Re’im was the location of the Nova Festival. JNF Australia is funding an art and creativity centre to transform trauma into creativity, absence into presence, and create a legacy of resilience for future generations.

After 10 months of living under challenging conditions in a hotel at the Dead Sea, post October 7, most of the displaced community of Kibbutz Be’eri has moved to the temporary housing complex established for them at Kibbutz Hatzerim.
The community is expected to remain there for approximately two years until the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Kibbutz Be’eri are completed. In addition to meeting Kibbutz Be’eri members, we will also be visiting Kibbutz Hatzerim’s leading global jojoba factory.

Since October 7, 2023, the residents of Kfar Aza have been living in temporary accommodation, displaced by the ongoing conflict. But now, they have found a new home in Kibbutz Ruhama, where they are welcomed by a community that shares their values and spirit. Although Kfar Aza and Ruhama are geographically distant, the deep connection between the two kibbutzim, particularly among the children who attend the same school, has made the transition smoother and more meaningful for the residents.

Creator of “I’m That Jew“, a viral video that’s been seen over 10 million times on various platforms. He is also the co-creator of She’s that Woman, founded The 5 Percent Club and is a founding chapter member of Entrepreneur’s Organization, Israel.

Join us for a 2-hour walk through Mishkanot Sha’ananim and the Old City of Jerusalem.
Mishkenot Sha’ananim was the first Jewish settlement built outside the walls of the Old City on a hill directly across from Mount Zion built by Sir Moses Montefiore, after he acquired the land from the Governor of Jerusalem. Since it was outside the walls and open to Bedouin raids, the Jews were reluctant to move in, even though the housing was luxurious. As an incentive, people were paid to live there, and a stone wall was built around the compound with a heavy door that was locked at night for defence.
The Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the four quarters of the walled city. It has been almost continually home to Jews since the 8th century BCE. Today, it is the location of museums, yeshivot, ruins, historic synagogues, and the Western Wall.

Every night, the ancient stones of the Tower of David citadel come to life and tell the story of Jerusalem. This is a classic outdoor night spectacular. Colossal images are screened on the citadel walls using advanced technology including video, sound and lighting, accompanied by beautiful music and expansive, multicolored visuals. Against the backdrop of the Old City you can see kings rise and fall, holy buildings built, armies fighting, and cultures, religions and myths blossoming. This is the story of Jerusalem.

The Golden Book is the most unique of the KKL-JNF Books of Honour and is, in effect, a genealogical tree of the Jewish people. Among its pages are inscriptions recording

special events in people’s lives over the past one hundred years of Jewish history. Each volume of the Golden Book describes a different period in the life of the Jewish people and the contribution of KKL-JNF, acting through and on behalf of the people, for the preservation, care and development of the land. An entry in the Golden Book is a mark of gratitude to the donors who with their contribution, enable a variety of projects to be carried out.

Every morning, a memorial service is held to honour those who fell on that specific date. Their individual memorial stones, engraved with their names and the date of passing, are illuminated within the walls of the hall. At the centre of the hall rests the “eternal flame”, a structure symbolising our collective duty of commemoration

The Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II in Latrun highlights the one-and-a-half-million Jews who fought in World War II.

Tel Nof Airbase is the oldest and main base of the Israeli Air Force located 5 km south of Rehovot, Israel. Tel Nof houses two strike fighter, two transport helicopter and a UAV squadron. Also located on the base are the Flight Test Centre Manat and several special units of the Israel Defense Forces among others Unit 669 heliborne Combat Search and Rescue, and the Paratroopers Brigade training centre and its headquarters.

As our transformative journey through Israel draws to a close, we gather for one final evening of reflection, connection, and celebration at the iconic Piccolino for an Italian culinary experience in the heart of old Jerusalem. With strengthened spirits, we will come together to mark the end of this unforgettable tour shaped by the land, the people, and the purpose that brought us here