KKL-JNF to pump $285 million into boosting northern Israel

The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund’s (KKL-JNF) Board of Directors says it will invest an “unprecedented” NIS 859 million ($285 million) in northern Israel, including earmarks for local authorities and projects meant to encourage teachers and others to populate the region.

The plan, to be rolled out over the next three years, includes towns in the Lower Galilee, such as Acre and Karmiel, as well as those on the northern border ravaged by war, such as Kiryat Shmona.

Over a third of the money, NIS 362 million ($120 million), will go to cities for infrastructure projects and other public works.

NIS 150 million ($50 million) will be used to purchase apartments for educators and teachers in northern communities, to encourage young families to settle in the north and strengthen the education system there.

Another NIS 120 million ($39.8 million) will push for groups to settle in northern towns, with the goal of bringing 1,200 people by 2030.

“This is an unprecedented event in its scope and broad deployment that sees the entire North as KKL-JNF’s main target for support this year and in the years to come,” says KKL-JNF chairman Eyal Ostrinsky. “We are entering all regions with strategic support for projects and environmental development, housing and settlement, education and culture, and all to show the residents of the north that they are our top priority.”