JNF Green Sunday – support to combat fires, protect Israel’s border communities and save lives

February 3, 2025 by J-Wire News Service
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This month’s JNF Australia’s Green Sunday appeal takes on a new and urgent mission.

Coinciding with Tu’B’Shvat which marks the beginning of a new year for trees, many of Israel’s devastated border communities are beginning to take the steps towards a new future, building strength and resilience to thrive once again.

Partnering with Operation Fire Support (OFS), an organisation founded by an Australian volunteer bushfire fighter, and with its local Israeli associate on the frontlines, JNF Australia aims to raise much-needed funds to safeguard Israel’s vulnerable communities from the devastating threat of wildfires including seven communities in the south and three communities in the north of Israel.

JNF Australia will be conducting their traditional Green Sunday telethon, where hundreds of volunteers from schools, youth groups will give of their time to call our community for donations in support of this vital project.

For the first time, JNF will also be running a national 24-hour Giving Day, starting at 1pm on February 12th, where every donation made will be matched – up to a total raised of $150,000, enabling donors to double their impact.

Why Now?

In 2024, Israel witnessed some of its worst fires in decades, with over 340,000 dunams (84,000 acres) of land lost to the flames. This destruction not only devastated agricultural lands and national parks but also put lives at risk, especially in areas near Gaza and the northern border, which are prone to fire hazards due to extreme temperatures, dry conditions, and ongoing security threats from rockets, mortars, incendiary balloons and arson.

The need to protect Israel’s land and communities becomes more critical than ever.

A Unique Partnership:

JNF Australia’s Green Sunday campaign is proud to partner with Operation Fire Support (OFS), an organisation founded by Australian volunteer bushfire fighting expert Timothy Wainwright, and with its local Israeli associate on the frontlines. OFS brings Australia’s world-class fire prevention and suppression techniques to Israel’s high-risk communities. Their work focuses on providing vital training and specialist equipment to residents to help them respond to and prevent fires.

Timothy Wainwright, founder of Operation Fire Support (OFS), emphasised the importance of immediate support for Israel’s communities living under ongoing threat;

“Communities along Israel’s border regions face a daily danger from wildfires, which are not only a natural disaster but also a security threat. It’s essential that we provide them with the proper training and equipment to act quickly and effectively. These communities cannot wait, without the right resources, lives and livelihoods are at risk. This is why fundraising efforts like JNF Australia’s Green Sunday are critical. By supporting these programs, we give residents the tools to safeguard their homes and ensure their survival in the face of this ever-growing threat.”

Help Us Save Lives and Land:

Funds raised from JNF Australia’s Green Sunday 2025 will directly support OFS in:

  • Training communities on fire safety and prevention
  • Equipping local residents with tools and resources to combat wildfires
  • Helping communities including those near Gaza and northern Israel ensure that they respond quickly and minimise risks of future fires

A Personal Story of Survival:

One of the many individuals who has benefitted from OFS’ work is Hila Fenlon, a resident of Netiv HaAsara Moshav, located near the Gaza Strip. Hila’s farm was frequently threatened by fire, caused by incendiary balloons and kites launched from Gaza. After receiving fire safety training from OFS, Hila was able to protect her farm from wildfires set off by rockets on October 7 2023 and save her livelihood.

“Without the training and equipment I received from OFS, I would have lost everything. They taught me how to act quickly and confidently to protect my farm, and I was able to do just that,” says Hila.

Israel’s Fire Crisis in Numbers:

  • Over 340,000 dunams (84,000 acres) of land have burned since the start of 2024, a record high.
  • Communities on Israel’s periphery – particularly those near the Gaza Strip and in northern regions – are at continuous risk.
  • The 2024 fires have already surpassed the destruction of previous wildfires, including those in the Carmel Nature Reserve (2010) and the Jerusalem Hills (2021).
  • Agricultural losses run into hundreds of millions of shekels, with farmland, equipment, and infrastructure severely damaged.
  • National parks, precious flora, fauna, and archaeological treasures have been jeopardised by the spreading flames.

How You Can Help:

JNF Australia’s Green Sunday and Giving Day campaign is more important than ever. With your donation, you can directly contribute to saving lives, preserving land, and supporting Israel’s communities who face constant fire threats. Your generosity will fund fire prevention and emergency preparedness training and equipment. Together, we can protect Israel’s land and people from the devastating effects of fires.

Important Dates To Mark In Your Calendar:

  • Green Sunday Telethon NSW & WA 9th February
  • Green Sunday Telethon VIC 16th February
  • JNF National Giving Day will run for 24 hours and commence from 1pm on 12th February, where every donation made will be matched – up to a total of $150,000 allowing donors to double their impact.

For more information and to donate call 1300 563 563 visit https://jnf.org.au

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