Jewish National Fund Manitoba/Saskatchewan held its annual Tu Bi’Shevat Telethon on Sunday, February 8, and had raised over $18,000 as of press time.
 

Two dozen hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers called donors from 1:30 PM until 7:00 PM, explaining how this year donors’ money would be going towards security planting in Israel.

The Tu Bi’Shevat security plantings campaign will aid communities of Halutza along the Gaza border that live under constant threat of rocket fire. JNF will be committing all tree planting efforts to improve the protection of these citizens. The “curtain” of trees will act as a first line of defense for the residents, the children and the farmers. Trees can be more than just trees. Trees can save lives.

“By planting trees along communities that border Gaza, we are creating a physical and visual barrier that will protect Israeli citizens,” explained Executive Director Rob Berkowits. “Our volunteers were outstanding – their hard work means lives will be saved.”

“There is still time to make a donation by calling the JNF office at 204-947-0207,” he noted, “Or by visiting our website jnfmanitoba.ca”

Jewish National Fund of Canada (JNF) is a registered charitable organization established in 1901 with the goal of purchasing land in Israel, and has been the sole agency responsible for the development and infrastructure of land and settlements there.  Today, JNF’s work focuses on five areas: water conservation and recycling, forestry, environmental education, community development and environmental research and development.