Over the years, all the presidents and prime ministers of Israel have recognized the importance of Keren Hayesod and its donors. They have taken part in Keren Hayesod conferences, and continue to do so, award prizes, meet with donors, and extend congratulations and acknowledgements:
“For a hundred years Keren Hayesod has supported the building and strengthening of Eretz Israel, the homeland and birthplace of the Jewish people, which was re-established after thousands of years of exile. . . .I believe it may be said that without Keren Hayesod, the State of Israel would not have been established. As simple as that.”
President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin
“I am not speaking to you in the name of the suffering of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. I am speaking to you in the name of the strength and might of the State of Israel, and with your help we can do much more. This is the challenge, this is the mission that I want to pass on through you to communities around the world. . . . I want to thank you for everything you have done so far, and I want to thank you even more for what you will do in the future.”
Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
“Keren Hayesod serves as a living bridge between millions of Jews in the Diaspora and the State of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“The merits and achievements of Keren Hayesod are engraved in the soil of the homeland and treasured in the soul of the nation. . . .The works carried out by Keren Hayesod have changed the face of the land and the face of the people, and laid the foundation for our independence.”
Prime Minister David Ben Gurion
“Keren Hayesod and all those who supported it and took part in its activities have played a major role in the modern saga of the Jewish people, from its beginning and until today. You have an important part in our existence . . . and in our pride.”
Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir
“We attribute immeasurable importance to Keren Hayesod’s contribution to the establishment of the State of Israel and its development throughout its history.”
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
“It is doubtful whether any similar organization that emerged from other peoples in the world was as creative and involved in such a unique mission of national revival. This is because Keren Hayesod played a central role in the ingathering of the people, and a vital part in mobilizing the resources to create something from nothing”
President Shimon Peres
“I heard with pleasure about the work of Keren Hayesod these days, its growth and its development. Keren Hayesod has been precious to me since the day it was founded, and I have taken part in its work from the beginning. My heart rejoices within me when I see that Keren Hayesod encompasses the entire Jewish world. May the hands of those that do the work be blessed.”
