KKL-JNF Heritage

There is no better way to show KKL-JNF's impact on the land of Israel than through these photographs. They are the most articulate expressions of KKL-JNF's stewardship and development activities throughout the years, befitting the country and all its people.

*Use of the photos are for KKL-JNF productions/purposes only and requires giving credit to the photographer and KKL Photo Archive, Jerusalem. Any other use can lead to legal action.

The outpost heritage

1945. Bet Eshel was one of three outposts that KKL-JNF established in the Negev in 1943, along with Gvulot and Revivim. The outposts were intended to explore the possibility of farming the Negev as well to test the reaction of the British Mandate to Jewish settlement in the southern region. (Dr. Yaacov Rozner)

2012. Mitspe Bet Eshel after KKKL-JNF restored it. The site is one of the attractions at Be'er Sheva River Park. (Albatross Aerial Photography Ltd.)

The “Old Man’s” hut

1953. Paula and David Ben-Gurion at the entrance to their home at Sde Boker. Ben- Gurion not only spoke about settling the Negev, but also practiced what he preached. (Werner Braun)

2009. Ben-Gurion’s home after KKL-JNF restoration. The hut is a pilgrimage site for thousands who come to learn about David Ben-Gurion’s life and ideas. (KKL-JNF photographers)

Biriya Fortress

1948. Towards the end of the British Mandate, young people from all ideological movements and factions participated in the battle for the right to settle at Biriya Fortress, which had become symbolic. (Edgar Hirschbein)

1993. Biriya Fortress today. KKL-JNF turned the fortress into a museum that depicts the history of the site, including the role played by Bnei Akiva youth in securing the fortress. (Albatross Aerial Photography Ltd.)

The ANZAC Trail

1917. Australian cavalry in the western Negev taking a break. The ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), who fought with the British Army during the First World War, conquered Be'er Sheva after two failed attempts by the British to conquer Gaza. (The National Archives of Australia)

2012. Golda Park, an oasis of leisure and recreation, was established by KKL-JNF in memory of Golda Meir, prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974. The park was created on the same site where the ANZAC cavalry stayed before conquering Be'er Sheva. In recent years, KKL-JNF has developed sites throughout the Negev that relate the story of the soldiers and the battle. (KKL-JNF Photo Archive)