JNF Australia launches 2025 campaign to rebuild and heal Israel’s North and South

JNF Australia has launched its 2025 annual campaign, Together, We Rise With Israel, inspired by the resilience shown by Israelis since the October 7 terror attacks and recent Iranian missile strikes.

Eli Sharabi meets President Herzog              Photo: Haim Zach (GPO)

Headlining this year’s campaign is former hostage Eli Sharabi, 52, who will visit Australia to share his harrowing story of survival. Sharabi was held captive for 491 days after being abducted by Hamas from Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7. Upon his release in February, he learned that his wife Lianne and daughters Noiya and Yahel had been murdered that same day.

“Surviving captivity has shown me the power of resilience and the unbreakable spirit of the Israeli people,” Sharabi said. Now a global voice for hope and remembrance, his visit to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth is expected to galvanise the community.

Eli Sharabi met Israel’s President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence this week.

During their meeting, Sharabi presented the President with his book “Hostage”, a powerful and rare testimony of his harrowing experience in captivity. He also announced that the book has been translated into English and will be published in the United States on the second anniversary of the October 7 massacre.

In an emotional appeal directed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump, Sharabi said: “This is the moment. We are waiting and hoping. The families of the hostages need closure, they need peace, they need their loved ones home, whether alive or, God forbid, to be buried with dignity. I ask both the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Israel to make the final effort and bring this to an end.”

The JNF 2025 campaign will support a suite of recovery initiatives, including water infrastructure in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, therapeutic learning and trauma support in Nir Oz and Ein Hashlosha, reforestation at Misgav Am, and mental health programs in Kiryat Shmona.

“For nearly two years, Israelis have been under siege, yet remain determined to rebuild. We must match their resilience with action,” said JNF Australia CEO Doron Lazarus. “This campaign is about more than infrastructure — it’s about restoring lives and hope.”

Since October 7, JNF Australia has backed over 60 recovery projects, with the 2025 campaign reinforcing its long-standing partnerships with frontline communities.

“What October 7 taught us is that Israel needs the Diaspora more than ever — and we need Israel,” said JNF Australia President Pam Krail. “Our greatest weapon is strength from within.”

Lazarus added: “The missiles may have shattered homes — but not hope. Together, we rise with Israel.”