JNF Australia will celebrate 125 years of the Jewish National Fund with a national campaign supporting a major trauma recovery and community renewal project in southern Israel.
British barrister and international lawyer Natasha Hausdorff will headline the 2026 Annual Campaign, speaking in Sydney on September 1, Melbourne on September 3 and Perth on September 6.
The campaign will be held under the theme “For a Stronger Israel. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.”
Hausdorff is a prominent legal commentator and advocate for Israel who regularly speaks on international law, the laws of armed conflict, human rights, the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement and claims that Israel practises apartheid. She is also the founder of the Centre for the International Rule of Law.
She has briefed politicians and international organisations, addressed parliaments across Europe and spoken at the United Nations.
JNF Australia chief executive Doron Lazarus said Hausdorff’s visit reflected the campaign’s focus on Israel’s future.
“Natasha represents the courage, clarity and leadership that Israel and the Jewish diaspora around the world need at this moment,” Lazarus said.
“As we celebrate 125 years of achievement, we are also looking ahead. Our responsibility is to help shape Israel’s future, and Natasha’s message speaks directly to that vision.”
Hausdorff is legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust and a frequent legal commentator on the BBC, Sky News, CNN, GB News, TalkTV and Fox News.
Her writing has appeared in The Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, The Times, The Mail and the Law Society Gazette.
She holds law degrees from Oxford University and Tel Aviv University and was a fellow in the National Security Law Program at Columbia Law School in New York.
The Jewish National Fund, also known as KKL-JNF, was established in 1901 following the vision of Theodor Herzl and the World Zionist Organisation.
Its work has included land development, environmental stewardship, water security, forestry, education and community development across Israel.
JNF Australia national president Pam Krail said the anniversary recognised generations of Australian supporters who had contributed to projects in Israel.
“Reaching 125 years is an extraordinary milestone, but our story is far from complete,” Krail said.
“This anniversary belongs not only to JNF, but to the generations of Australians whose commitment has helped turn vision into reality. Their support continues to strengthen Israel where it matters most.”
Funds raised through the campaign will support the Sha’ar HaNegev Community Village, JNF Australia’s flagship project for 2026.
The village is being developed with the Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council and local community leaders in Israel’s Gaza border region.
It is planned as a centre for long-term trauma recovery, community resilience, research, renewal and disaster preparedness.
JNF said the project would support individuals, families and entire communities through every stage of recovery rather than provide only short-term assistance.
It is also intended to become a global centre of excellence in resilience and disaster preparedness.
“In traumatic situations, all the pieces fall apart – individuals, families and communities,” Sha’ar HaNegev Community Centre chief executive Nadav Peretz said.
“People need support, connection, belonging and safety. The new village will enable us to provide exactly that.”
Lazarus said the project reflected JNF’s long-term commitment to Israel’s future.
“Yesterday is our legacy. Today is our responsibility. Tomorrow is our opportunity,” he said.
“The communities we rebuild today will become tomorrow’s centres of innovation, leadership and opportunity. Our role is not simply to restore what was lost, but to help create stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
The events will be held in Sydney on September 1, Melbourne on September 3 and Perth on September 6.
Tickets can be booked through JNF Australia or by calling 1300 563 563.