"To embody the vision of Keren Hayesod is a privilege” – Elie Wiesel - 100 Heartbeats - Keren Hayesod

Keren Hayesod Book – a guidebook for donors

From its inception, Keren Hayesod excelled at information activities. Just one year after its establishment, the organization published a book in the style of “Everything you wanted to know about Keren Hayesod, but were afraid to ask”. The book was part of the massive information effort led by Ze’ev Jabotinsky, who also wrote the introduction to the book, which was based on the first KH Manifesto. It was a guidebook for donors, investors and active Zionists. Isaac Asher Naiditch, the founder of Keren Hayesod, defined it as Keren Hayesod’s Book of Genesis. The book’s 23 short chapters dealt with Keren Hayesod’s principles, the development of Eretz Israel and its potential, and economic, political and social issues. One chapter was entitled “What might be accomplished with £5,000,000?” Another chapter dealt with the Jewish tradition of tithing; there were chapters on the political situation in the Land of Israel, immigration, agricultural settlements, opportunities for industry, water power in the Land of Israel, banks, education and more. Over the course of its history, Keren Hayesod has published many booklets in a similar format, i.e., questions are asked and comprehensive answers are given that teach about KH activities.


Photo: Title page of the Keren Hayesod Book, 1921