We, activists within SEDQ: A Global Jewish Network for Justice, are inviting people around the globe to participate in “Cultivating Justice: a Global Week of Action and Education challenging the JNF”.
This week aims to encourage a closer look at the historical and current work of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). The JNF is a quasi-governmental organization based in Israel that has played a controversial role in the creation of the state, and contributes towards implementing some of its discriminatory laws and policies. With dozens of charitable branches abroad, the JNF aims to portray itself as an apolitical organization tasked with “developing” the land.
Through film screenings, reading groups, and other educational events, we seek to uncover a part of the story that is hidden from many of us. As an organization that so many of us were raised with, and which claims to operate on behalf of Jewish people everywhere, we feel a moral obligation to examine closely and honestly its legacy and continuing activities.
We are encouraging you to attend a local event in your community to learn more and share your experiences and thoughts with us!
The week will take place between May 22 and May 29, signifying the time in between two historic events that the JNF is closely linked to: Israel’s creation on May 15, 1948, known to Palestinians as al-Nakba (the catastrophe) due to the forced exile of roughly 750,000 inhabitants; and the June 1967 War and subsequent 49 years of military occupation, which Palestinians commemorate as al-Naksa (the setback).
Watch this documentary by Israeli Social TV about Park Canada, one of the JNF’s largest enterprises:
Come along to the AJDS’ film screening of “Enduring Roots: Over a Century of Resistance to the JNF“, 24 May 2016
Visit the facebook page: /cultivatingjustice/
Add your voice to our campaign or just learn more about the JNF at whatsbehindjnf.org
During the week, post something on twitter, facebook and instagram using the hashtag #cultivatejustice