YOUR IMPACT IN 2017:

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1 קרן היסוד KEREN HAYESOD 70 years of achievements powered by Keren Hayesod YOUR IMPACT IN 2017: REPORT TO OUR DONORS

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3 70 YEARS OF IMPACT Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, laid the foundation for a reborn Jewish state in the land of Israel. He envisioned the country not only as the physical home of the Jewish people, but also as a major spiritual, cultural, and scientific center, a model society based on Jewish values and enlightened policies. In just 70 years, the State of Israel has been transformed into a vital, flourishing society acclaimed for its achievements in so many areas: a thriving democracy under the rule of law and human liberties, Aliyah and absorption, agriculture, science and technology, security and defense, rural and urban development, sports, medicine, literature, music, fashion, food, cinema, infrastructure and more. Keren Hayesod-UIA donors have contributed to these achievements and have been partners in Israel s success. This year s report describes seven areas one for each decade of Israel s independence in which you had an impact through Keren Hayesod, and powered Israel s success. 70 years of achievements powered by Keren Hayesod 3

4 Aliyah and Absorption 70 years of achievements On the eve of independence in 1948, Israel s Jewish population barely numbered 600,000. The tiny, impoverished country, threatened with extinction by its neighbours, absorbed hundreds of thousands of survivors from European displaced persons camps. As more Jews were expelled from Arab countries - Yemen, Kurdistan, Iraq, Morocco and others large waves of Aliyah followed. The Six-Day War in 1967 sparked a reawakening of Jewish identity among Jews around the world, and notably among the long-oppressed Soviet Jews, bringing in its wake over one million new immigrants. In two daring rescue operations, in 1984 and 1991, the State of Israel airlifted thousands of Ethiopian Jews, who had long been cut off from mainstream Jewry, to their homeland. In the seven decades since the birth of the State of Israel, with the help of Keren Hayesod, the population has increased more than tenfold so that for the first time in some 2,000 years, Israel is now home to the largest concentration of Jews in the world! Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Aliyah remains a top national priority. In recent years, we have been witness to an upsurge of anti-semitism worldwide. A flourishing State of Israel is a stronghold of safety for Jews all around the world. Some 31,000 Jews arrived in Israel during 2017, of which 8,000 are from Russia, 7,800 from Ukraine and 3,500 from France. Absorption centres, Hebrew language classes, academic preparatory programs, special frameworks for vulnerable populations, and other programs, all supported by Keren Hayesod donors, give newcomers the tools to integrate and become part of the fabric of Israeli society. 4

And the impact continues - 2017 Ofek Israeli Led by a partnership between the Government of Israel, the Jewish Agency and Keren Hayesod, this new intensified effort to encourage Aliyah by Choice, is

Outreach activities to introduce Aliyah opportunities were conducted in 50 cities for the first time, more than 500 new Ulpan classes took place worldwide, and over 1,000 activities were held in

5 And the impact continues Ofek Israeli Led by a partnership between the Government of Israel, the Jewish Agency and Keren Hayesod, this new intensified effort to encourage Aliyah by Choice, is focused on Jews in former Soviet Union countries, France, Brazil and Argentina, as well as Russian-speaking Jews in North America. Outreach activities to introduce Aliyah opportunities were conducted in 50 cities for the first time, more than 500 new Ulpan classes took place worldwide, and over 1,000 activities were held in which 90,000 Aliyah candidates participated. Young adult Aliyah Young adults are the ideal Olim. They often have valuable training and are generally able to master Hebrew quickly while integrating socially and professionally. A variety of absorption programs focus specifically on the year old demographic. These include Hebrew Ulpanim along with guidance regarding higher education, army service and career opportunities. This past year, these programs provided a soft-landing for 3,950 young people. 5

Hebrew Language 70 years of achievements In the early days of Zionism, the movement lacked a shared language.

Today, Hebrew is one of the most vibrant languages in the world. It is the official language of the State of Israel and spoken by millions.

Jewish State, the idea of an Ulpan was born to help newcomers learn the Hebrew language. In 1949, Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem was launched.

6 Hebrew Language 70 years of achievements In the early days of Zionism, the movement lacked a shared language. Hebrew, the language of the Jewish people, had retreated from Jewish life and was used only for religious discussions. It was considered a dead language. Eliezer Ben Yehuda worked tirelessly, at a great personal sacrifice, to revive Hebrew as an integral part of the Jewish national movement. Today, Hebrew is one of the most vibrant languages in the world. It is the official language of the State of Israel and spoken by millions. Tens of thousands of books, plays, movie scripts, songs and poems are written in Hebrew every year, and and it is taught in Jewish schools worldwide. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod With the massive influx of new immigrants from all parts of the world following the establishment of the Jewish State, the idea of an Ulpan was born to help newcomers learn the Hebrew language. In 1949, Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem was launched. Over the years, Ulpans supported by Keren Hayesod, have helped millions of Olim integrate into Israeli life and have helped make Hebrew the vibrant language it is today. Hebrew-language Ulpans continue to serve thousands of Olim every year. During their first months in Israel, new immigrants often devote five hours every weekday over a five-month period to intensive study of Hebrew, generally within the framework of an absorption centre or Kibbutz Ulpan. 6

And the impact continues - 2017 Ulpan Etzion The residential Ulpan Etzion program today serves as a model for Hebrewlanguage courses, specifically for university graduates.

of Hebrew. Last year, close to 20,000 new Olim learned Hebrew at Ulpans, thanks to the generosity of Keren Hayesod donors.

7 And the impact continues Ulpan Etzion The residential Ulpan Etzion program today serves as a model for Hebrewlanguage courses, specifically for university graduates. Last year, Ulpan Etzion campuses in Haifa, Ra anana, Be er Sheva and on Kibbutz Tzuba, as well as Jerusalem enabled 1,500 new immigrants, years old from 25 countries, to advance their command of Hebrew. Last year, close to 20,000 new Olim learned Hebrew at Ulpans, thanks to the generosity of Keren Hayesod donors. Makom: Innovative Israel Education The Makom project is the Jewish Agency s central resource for Israel education, providing programming, content and workshops for global Jewish communities, institutions and leaders, activists and informal educators. Makom empowers educators and communal leaders to ask tough questions and articulate compelling ideas of Israel. The project provides content and tools to craft effective Israel education programming. As the Education Lab of The Jewish Agency, Makom has developed 1,000 educational units, delivered seminars for 15,000 educators, and consulted for 250 leaders, institutions, and communities In 2017, Makom s professionals in Israel and abroad trained approximately 800 educators in the field of Israel education. 7

Science and Technology 70 years of achievements Faced with security threats and a lack of natural resources, Israelis have become leaders of adapting to difficult conditions.

8 Science and Technology 70 years of achievements Faced with security threats and a lack of natural resources, Israelis have become leaders of adapting to difficult conditions. They have also channeled their innovativeness into cutting-edge commercial industries, such as aerospace, electronics, telecommunications, solar power, medical technology and other fields. These efforts have earned Israel its world title as the Start- Up Nation. Today, Israel leads the world in the amount of money spent on research and development. In 2017, Reuters list for the world s most innovative universities featured only three from the Middle East - all from Israel. To date, Israel has produced eight Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science and is at the forefront of innovation in fields as diverse as they are critical: IT, alternative energy, communications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving systems, robotics and more. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Starting in the 1980s, Keren Hayesod furthered technological education by funding hundreds of schools, colleges, computer classes, and science centres as part of Project Renewal. The Keren Hayesod funded wave of Aliyah from the FSU, with the large numbers of Russian scientists who arrived in Israel after the collapse of the Soviet Union, helped fuel Israel s transformation into a world hub of innovation and research. In addition, Keren Hayesod funds groundbreaking educational programs, such as Net@, which have generated thousands of graduates that are today part of the high-tech world. 8

And the impact continues - 2017 Net@ technological training More than 1,700 pupils in grades 5 to 12 are currently participating in this after-school technological training project conducted in 21

9 And the impact continues Net@ technological training More than 1,700 pupils in grades 5 to 12 are currently participating in this after-school technological training project conducted in 21 locations throughout Israel s periphery. Youth from all parts of Israeli society receive training in the design, construction and maintenance of computer networks and programming, while enhancing their math and English skills and gaining practical experience volunteering in the community. Thanks to Net@, one of the most effective agents of social mobility in Israel, 4,000 young Israelis have been given a chance to be part of Israel s success. Israel Tech Challenge Israel Tech Challenge (ITC), conducted in cooperation with Masa Israel Journey, cultivates the talents of young engineers and computer scientists from abroad. The program trains participants in the most in-demand technological skills and provides internship opportunities at Israel s leading high-tech firms. Elite tracks in Cyber Security and Data Science offer five months of intensive study and five months in internship positions. 80% of participants to date have decided to remain in Israel and utilize their skills in the J e w i s h homeland. 9

10 Medicine 70 years of achievements Deadly diseases were rampant in pre-state Israel. The Zionist movement put in place a national health infrastructure for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. Israel has proven itself as a pioneer in the practice of public health, and the National Insurance Law has ensured that medical services are accessible for all residents for free. Israeli medical advances have changed the world. Israeli ingenuity has led to new treatments and drugs that help fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, MLS, dementia and Parkinson s disease, as well as innovations that help paraplegics walk and that correct spine curvature. In 2017, Israeli scientists developed a protein switch to fight cancer, further proof of Israel s innovative research pushing the boundaries of medicine. The UK s Business Insider ranks Israel s health system as 9th in the world, and its citizens enjoy the 8th highest life expectancy, 82.5 years. There are over 50 hospitals throughout the country. In 1912, the country had a mere 32 doctors. Today, 32,000 doctors of all specialties provide high quality medical care for local and international patients. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Keren Hayesod has played a key role in raising the standard of medical treatment, particularly in the periphery. Over the years, we have supported the construction and improvement of hospitals all across Israel and of hundreds of general, dental and eye clinics and hospital wings. Funds have helped purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment. Keren Hayesod has also supported the Aliyah of doctors, nurses and many other professionals in the fields of paramedical treatments. 10

And the impact continues - 2017 Profession for Life - Medical Track Olim that are trained physicians and nurses must pass Israel s rigorous

The Profession for Life program, conducted in conjunction with the Ministries of Absorption, Health, and Education, provides a crash course in

housing in absorption centres, Ulpan, childcare, and more.

their talents to Israel s medical system.

11 And the impact continues Profession for Life - Medical Track Olim that are trained physicians and nurses must pass Israel s rigorous licensing process. The Profession for Life program, conducted in conjunction with the Ministries of Absorption, Health, and Education, provides a crash course in medicine in Israel for doctors and nurses from FSU countries, while offering a supportive framework for them and their families, including housing in absorption centres, Ulpan, childcare, and more. Free to concentrate on studying for exams, virtually all the participants in the project have passed the exams and have begun contributing their talents to Israel s medical system. Aleh Aleh, Israel s largest and most advanced network of rehabilitation villages, provides the most advanced care for over 700 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Aleh has set a new benchmark in the field of special education. Intensive therapies, medical and paramedical care, special education and social activities enable these children to stretch the limits of their abilities to the maximum and enjoy an optimal quality of life. 11

Security and Defense 70 years of achievements In response to hostility at its borders and terror attacks against its citizens, Israel has built one of the best armies in the world and equipped it

To safeguard its citizens, Israel has pioneered significant military innovations, including one of the world s most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems and unmanned air drones.

12 Security and Defense 70 years of achievements In response to hostility at its borders and terror attacks against its citizens, Israel has built one of the best armies in the world and equipped it with sophisticated equipment. Israel s ability to defend its civilian population with minimal casualties and a high moral standard has won it the admiration of the world. To safeguard its citizens, Israel has pioneered significant military innovations, including one of the world s most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems and unmanned air drones. Israel is one of the few countries to develop satellite technology capability. In 2016, US News & World Report listed Israel as the eighth most powerful country in the world. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Keren Hayesod donors worldwide continue to rally to Israel s side and help to ensure the safety of its citizens. A key element contributing to Israel s morale and resolve has been the support provided by world Jewry. During all of Israel s military conflicts and times of emergency, Keren Hayesod mobilitsed to assist civilians who were under attack and raised unprecedented sums of money in emergency campaigns. In recent years, an example of these lifesaving projects has been the portable bomb shelters that were placed in the critical areas around the north of Israel and its border with Gaza. These shelters made the difference between life and death for thousands of people. 12

And the impact continues - 2017 Security Assistance to Jewish Communities As the only Jewish state, Israel feels responsible for the global Jewish community.

Since its founding in 2012, the Fund has allocated over $9.

13 And the impact continues Security Assistance to Jewish Communities As the only Jewish state, Israel feels responsible for the global Jewish community. In face of growing anti-semitism, the Fund for Security Assistance to Jewish Communities was established to help protect and secure Jewish institutions around the world. Since its founding in 2012, the Fund has allocated over $9.5 million to 220 Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, community centres and organisations in 54 countries to purchase security gates, closed circuit TV systems, x-ray scanners, alarm systems, bulletproof windows and more. In 2017, the Fund allocated $1 million to 75 institutions. 13

14 Agriculture and Urban Development years of achievements In the pre-state era, the early settlers drained swampland, reforested arid lands and combatted soil erosion. To best deal with the harsh conditions, two unique forms of agricultural settlements developed, the Kibbutz and the Moshav, based on social equality, cooperation and mutual aid. Since 1948, despite constant water shortages, the total area under cultivation in Israel has grown more than 2.5 times and agricultural production has multiplied 16 times over - three times more than Israel s population growth. No country has had more breakthroughs in the area of food production than Israel. Today, Israel is a major world exporter of fresh produce and a leader in the development of special varieties of produce. Close cooperation between scientists and farmers has produced smart solutions to various challenges, ranging from drip irrigation systems to greenhouse technology and natural pesticides. At the same time, to meet the daunting challenge of providing housing for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that have come to Israel, border settlements and development towns have been set up in the periphery. Today, 90% of Israelis live in urban areas. The country is connected through a well-developed network of roads and railroads. According to a 2016 OECD report, Israel is ranked third in quality of life among advanced nations. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod In the 1950s, Keren Hayesod helped purchase agricultural equipment, provided technical aid, professional assistance and created development funds. Keren Hayesod built 125 border settlements and 70,000 new homes and established dozens of new urban communities. In the 1970s, Keren Hayesod supported the establishment of 53 communities in the Galilee and the Negev and raised funds for educational and social service facilities, daycare centres and kindergartens, sports facilities and community centers. In the 1980s, Keren Hayesod donors played a vital role in the national priority project Renewal, which improved the lives of Israel s most disadvantaged populations.

And the impact continues - 2017 Young Communities Idealistic social activists are helping to revitalise the vulnerable Negev and Galilee through the Young

Young volunteers have spearheaded initiatives that provide sustainable solutions for closing social and economic gaps.

15 And the impact continues Young Communities Idealistic social activists are helping to revitalise the vulnerable Negev and Galilee through the Young Communities program, carried out in over 100 communities in the periphery. Young volunteers have spearheaded initiatives that provide sustainable solutions for closing social and economic gaps. The Choosing Tomorrow project is developing business, professional and educational opportunities, and the Ketzev program is helping to establish social businesses. Amigour Sheltered Housing The Amigour network of sheltered housing enables 7,500 low-income elderly individuals the majority of them immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Holocaust survivors to live out their years in comfort and dignity. Residents enjoy independent living in well-maintained apartments surrounded by green spaces, while participating in a tightknit community and a rich variety of classes, cultural programs and social activities. 15

Sports 70 years of achievements Despite starting from humble beginnings, with limited

achievements in international competitions, winning gold, silver and bronze Olympic

Israel also has also supported the advancement and training of athletes with

Interest in physical activities has also grown over the years.

Aviv and Tiberius), road and off-track bicycle riding, soccer and basketball games and

Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Many new Olim who came to Israel with Keren Hayesod s

Notable among them are basketball player Tal Brody from the US, pole vaulter Alex

16 Sports 70 years of achievements Despite starting from humble beginnings, with limited resources and a small population, Israeli athletes have registered impressive achievements in international competitions, winning gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals and earning world titles in sailing, judo, canoeing and windsurfing. Israel also has also supported the advancement and training of athletes with disabilities, who have won hundreds of medals at world Paralympic games. Interest in physical activities has also grown over the years. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis regularly take part in marathons (in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Tiberius), road and off-track bicycle riding, soccer and basketball games and hiking. Powered by you and Keren Hayesod Many new Olim who came to Israel with Keren Hayesod s assistance have enriched Israel s sports scene. Notable among them are basketball player Tal Brody from the US, pole vaulter Alex Averbuch from Russia, judo champion Camila Minakawa from Brazil, marathon runner Ageze Guadie from Ethiopia and the many trainers and coaches that raised the bar on Israeli sporting achievements. Keren Hayesod has also advanced this effort through the construction of sports fields and athletic facilities. 16

And the impact continues - 2017 Empowering Youth-at-Risk through Sport Israel s most disadvantaged youth get a second chance at the Educational Youth Villages supported by Keren Hayesod.

The renowned sports and athletics program at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village has produced many excellent athletes.

17 And the impact continues Empowering Youth-at-Risk through Sport Israel s most disadvantaged youth get a second chance at the Educational Youth Villages supported by Keren Hayesod. This project provides a warm home along with a remedial education and a rich extra-curricular program designed to strengthen students self-esteem and enhance their sense of social responsibility. The renowned sports and athletics program at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village has produced many excellent athletes. Over the years, students have taken part in national and international sports competitions in running, javelin, hammer, disc and shot put throws, and high and long jumps. Students and graduates have won gold, silver and bronze medals and set records in national championships and Maccabiah games. The Ben Yakir Youth Village s running group has garnered significant achievements, despite being just two years old. Under the direction of a champion runner, the team has taken part in marathons and semimarathons. They have had impressive wins, including taking second and third place in the Jerusalem marathon and second place in the 10-kilometer run. A varied sports program at the Kiryat Yearim Youth Village includes therapeutic horseback riding and soccer teams for boys and girls that enhance their physical skills while developing their self-confidence and discipline. 17

18 Israel celebrates 70 powered by Together we supported Israel's Leave your Legacy through Keren Hayesod and help secure the future of the People of Israel. For further information, please contact your local KH UIA representative years of achievements powered by Keren Hayesod

19 years of achievement Keren Hayesod past. We need to ensure its future. 19

20 70 years of achievements powered by Keren Hayesod Jerusalem, 2018 SUPPORT ISRAEL

The Jewish Agency for Israel 2015 Operating Budget

The Jewish Agency for Israel 2015 Operating Budget The Jewish Agency for Israel 2015 Operating Budget - Income UIA / JFNA Keren Hayesod Income to be raised UIA (US Government Grant) Other Core Income Fee