After several false starts, the Fifth Zionist Congress passed a motion on this day in 1901 to create a fund to purchase land in Palestine that would belong to the Jewish people. Named Keren Kayment Le’Yisrael, the fund in English was called the Jewish National Fund (JNF).

After early fundraising successes led to land purchases in Judea and the lower Galilee, as well as support for the founding of Tel Aviv, the JNF announced its Olive Tree Fund, an afforestation effort supported by congregations throughout the world with its renowned blue-and-white tzedakah boxes. JNF efforts to support Jewish life in Israel ultimately expanded into water conservation and reclamation, environmental and agricultural research, programs for those with disabilities and special needs, as well as infrastructure and land development, including immigrant housing.

Ultimately, the fund became embroiled in several controversies, including questions surrounding the environmental and historical impact of its afforestation efforts, the transparency of its budget, as well as its mandate to lease or sell JNF land only to Jews. These controversies tested the limits of public-private partnerships and demonstrated the significance of transparency and oversight for organizations committed to lasting change.

However, the JNF remains a vibrant organization with a diverse set of programs designed to fulfill its charter of securing a Jewish home in Israel. As it continues to evolve, the fund provides an interesting example of the opportunities and challenges presented by changing historical circumstances.

— Rabbi Josh