Challenging Para-statal Organizations: The Case Against the Jewish National Fund

Substantial funding for such expansion comes from organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status in the United States. One such organization is the Jewish National Fund (the “JNF”), which actually has charitable status in over 50 countries based on claims that the JNF preserves and advances Jewish culture, community, civic and political participation, rights and safety. However, far from the charitable organization the JNF claims to be, it in fact is a para-statal organization, deeply involved in the “Judaization” of Israel and Palestine while retaining immune from public accountability. Where once the JNF’s role was birthing the State of Israel, it is now granted special privileges and an on-going role in State function, such as their administrative role in the Israeli Land Administration. In turn, the JNF, as a private institution, can hold in trust land and property for the State of Israel, its Jewish population and Jews living outside of Israel and openly discriminates against Palestinian citizens of Israel—preventing Palestinian leasing of JNF land. Organizations like the JNF deceive the government and community about their activities, and some of them support settler paramilitaries with equipment.One way to impact the role that these organizations play in Israeli occupation and apartheid is through a two-fold action that involves (a) raising public awareness about the racist activities of organizations such as the JNF, and (b) challenging the organizations’ tax-exempt status. In this way, the goal is to interrupt the funding that flows from these organizations to the settlements.

Specifically, the workshop would seek to educate attendees about the true histories, purposes, plans and funding of these organizations. In addition, it will challenge the concept of Jewish nationality that these organizations are based on.