JNF Rosh Hashanah Blue Box appeal
JNF Australia has launched the national Rosh Hashana Blue Box campaign, dedicated to supporting two vital projects in Israel’s north and south: at Kibbutz Malkiya and Netiv Ha’Asara.
Both initiatives highlight the profound link between environmental rehabilitation and human resilience, restoring the land while helping communities heal and thrive.
This campaign offers the community a special opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects in Israel during Rosh Hashanah, a time when giving charity is a mitzvah.
Kibbutz Malkiya: Healing and Renewal on the Northern Border
For decades, Kibbutz Malkiya’s 400 residents have lived under constant threat. The recent war and forced evacuation further tested their strength. As families return, JNF Australia is supporting three projects designed to restore both land and community. Together, these initiatives create a holistic vision of renewal – where agriculture, animal care, and environmental responsibility come together to heal both people and land.
Community Greenhouse: A 200-square-metre greenhouse will provide a therapeutic environment where residents can process trauma through cultivation, while producing sustainable food, reviving agricultural traditions, and creating an intergenerational gathering space.
Animals Heal – A Place of Compassion and Rehabilitation: This unique project will combine an advanced dog park with meeting areas for animal-assisted therapy, promoting social connection, education, and emotional healing. It will also expand green space within the kibbutz, encourage active living, and foster awareness of animal welfare.
Bringing Back to Life – From Waste to Hope: An advanced recycling centre will dramatically reduce landfill waste, generate green income for the kibbutz, and provide educational programs for schools. The project will not only improve soil and water quality in the region but also embed environmental awareness into the community’s rehabilitation process.
Netiv HaAsara: “Between the Olive Trees” Healing Garden
On the Gaza border, Netiv HaAsara was devastated by the terror attacks of October 7, 2023. After months of displacement, residents are returning to face not just the challenge of rebuilding homes, but also the need to restore a sense of peace and belonging.
At the entrance to the moshav, a neglected, sandy area is being transformed into “Between the Olive Trees”, a green and serene communal healing garden. With fruit trees, native plants, shaded seating, and pathways for quiet reflection, the space will offer calm and comfort while serving as a visible symbol of renewal. The first two olive trees, already planted, stand as anchors of hope and resilience.
Though geographically distant, both projects share the same mission: to restore communities by restoring their environment. When Israelis on the periphery cultivate their land, they are also cultivating resilience, dignity, and hope.
To donate: https://jnf.org.au/bbrh25/
