The volunteers, activists and leaders around the world constitute the living heart of Keren Hayesod. Thanks to their far-reaching work and leadership, Keren Hayesod has flourished and grown and reached outstanding achievements throughout its 100 years. Keren Hayesod’s leaders are people of endless dedication who invest significant time – sometimes entire lifetimes – to Keren Hayesod. They act on behalf of the State of Israel and the people of Israel out of a true sense of mission. At the expense of their free time, these people work day and night for Keren Hayesod – as volunteers. Their work begins with joining the fundraising effort. This might involve bringing people to fundraising events or leading a women’s division or professional division, and later becoming president, chairperson or member of the executive in the local campaign. Eventually it might lead to becoming part of Keren Hayesod’s international leadership, which meets several times a year in Jerusalem. They are all partners in action; they are all key to Keren Hayesod’s success and its ability to remain relevant. Without them, nothing would happen. In his final words at the Zionist Congress in July of 1920, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, later the first president of the State of Israel, said: “The key to the Land of Israel now lies in our hands”, and that is the slogan of Keren Hayesod’s leadership.
Photo: The key presented to Keren Hayesod’s outgoing campaign chairmen and presidents in recognition of their longstanding devotion to Keren Hayesod and the people of Israel.