Jewish National Fund

In February of 2020, I took a trip to Israel with most of my family. We ventured the country and visited some of the popular spots such as Masada, the Dead Sea, Machtesh Ramon, and the Old City. We went to the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and drove all across the Negev desert. In the midst of it, I became a Bar Mitzvah. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah and the trip surrounding it was something I will never forget. Israel is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to, and will ever go to. Jerusalem holds the ancient history of Judaism, and Tel Aviv holds wonderful streets and places that could not have been made more peaceful. Yet, the Negev desert held something that the two cities could not. The Negev held natural wonders and offered a true peace of mind. The Negev is home to 8.2% of Israel’s population, a number which is ever decreasing. Much of this decline in population is caused by the limited water resources. While I was in the Negev, I noticed proof of this water decline. Of the many wonderful places in Israel, the Dead Sea is one of the most popular. It’s highly salty water causes a floating effect, making it nearly impossible to go beneath the surface. This unique landmark, as surprising as it may seem, has been a source of water. Desalination plants have taken water from the sea, and turned it into fresh, drinking water. Rivers that supply some of the Dead Sea’s water have also been taken into plants and reservoirs for purification. As a result of this, the Dead Sea is shrinking drastically. In its peak, many resorts and hotels were built surrounding the Dead Sea. Unfortunately, as time went on, the Dead Sea receded so far from these resorts that it became almost a mile’s walk away. These resorts were abandoned and left in disrepair because no one wanted to stay there anymore. While driving around the Dead Sea, we saw some of these resorts, and we saw the massive amounts of land that were uncovered in time. It struck me then how important it is to try to preserve not only the Dead Sea, but the entire Negev too. 

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Jewish National Fund as part of my Bar Mitzvah Justice Project, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Jewish National Fund: Over the past 113 years, JNF has evolved into a global environmental leader by planting more than 250 million trees, building over 240 reservoirs and dams, developing over 250,000 acres of land, creating more than 2,000 parks, providing the infrastructure for over 1,000 communities, and connecting thousands of children and young adults to Israel and their heritage.