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April 30, 1999/14 Iyar 5759, Vol. 51, No.31
JNF, Kruglick turn attention to water needs
ANNE BRADY
Managing Editor
Jewish National Fund is focusing its fund-raising efforts this year on securing funds to shore up Israel's water supply.
Here in Arizona, where people can perhaps best understand the need to carefully manage precious water resources in the desert, longtime politician and JNF Board of Directors member Burton Kruglick has agreed to head the "Campaign for Water," which officially launches on Saturday, May 1.
"I am very enthusiastic about this campaign," Kruglick said in a news release from JNF. "With the needed funds, JNF will be able to continue solving the water needs of Israel."
Israel is currently depleting its water supply, and after facing a serious drought last winter, could actually run out of water in 10 to 15 years. Farming of crops and flowers for export have been severely curtailed, and rationing may become necessary.
Last month, because of a lack of rainfall, Israel was unable to transfer to Jordan 20 million cubic meters of water, as per prior peace agreements between the two countries. Israel has pledged to transfer a smaller amount this year and to seek a means to compensate Jordan for the reduced water supply.
Meanwhile, JNF has taken on the responsibility for building irrigation systems, dams and reservoirs throughout Israel. JNF also is involved in recycling water for agricultural purposes.
The organization recently released its new logo, with the campaign theme, "JNF. Together, We Can." The logo is colored to reflect JNF's twin priorities: blue, to conserve Israel's precious water resources; and green, to develop the land. Over the years, JNF has planted more than 220 million trees and cleared a third of Israel's barren land for agriculture, housing and industry.
On Thursday, May 6, JNF locally will present a briefing on the water crisis in Israel, featuring Russell Robinson, executive vice president of JNF. Robinson, who recently visited with top-level Israeli government and political leaders, will speak at 7 .m. at Eddie Matney's Epicurian Trio, 2398 E. Camelback Road. Attendees will be allowed to ask questions, and there will be no solicitation of funds.
Also planning an event next week is JNF Future Leadership. The young-adult group will present its second annual "Evening Under the Stars," beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, at the Arizona Club on top of the BankOne building, 201 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. The event will feature cheese and desserts, dancing, dance instruction, and a raffle. Admission is $25 by May 3 or $30 at the door. Dress is casual. Proceeds will benefit summer camps for immigrant children.
For reservations to Robinson's talk, or for more information about the JNF Future Leadership event, call the local JNF office at (602) 277-4800.
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