In Israel’s Scorched Forests, Recovery Begins NOW.
In late April, while Israel marked Memorial Day and Independence Day, massive wildfires tore through the Jerusalem Hills and beyond, devastating over 2,000 hectares of forest.
It was one of the worst wildfire events in Israel’s history, threatening lives, displacing communities, and destroying ecosystems that took generations to grow.
The Emergency Has Passed, but the Work Has Just Begun.
KKL-JNF’s firefighting teams worked around the clock to contain the flames. Thanks to their swift, courageous efforts, the fires were eventually brought under control. But the damage is immense, and the danger hasn’t disappeared. With more fires breaking out amid extreme heat, the need for readiness remains urgent. Even after hours of dangerous, exhausting work, our firefighters must remain ready to respond to new events at a moment’s notice. Harsh field conditions mean that firefighting supplies and equipment need constant replacement, a crucial part of readiness.
From Crisis to Recovery
Even as the embers cooled, KKL-JNF professionals were already in the field, assessing damage, removing hazards, and planning the long road to rehabilitation. In forests like Ayalon-Canada Park and Eshtaol, recovery will take up to 20 years.
Crucial infrastructure, such as the destroyed water pool in Ayalon-Canada Park, vital for irrigation, grazing, visitors, and emergency response, must be rebuilt now to give these forests a chance to survive.
Your Support Can Rebuild What the Fires Took
• Restore forest infrastructure and natural habitats
• Replant and support natural regeneration
• Replenish and upgrade firefighting equipment
• Sustain high-alert readiness for a long, dry summer.
Help Israel’s Forests Heal.
Together, we can help Israel’s forests rise from the ashes, stronger, greener, and more resilient.
Join us and be part of Israel’s renewal.
The fire is now under control, but the damage is immense: over 21,000 dunams (2,100 hectares) burned in one day, on top of 10,000 dunams (1,000 hectares) lost last week. Travelers driving along Route 1 to Jerusalem can still smell the smoke; the lush green hills now blackened.
Even now, KKL-JNF teams remain on site to prevent flare-ups. The road to recovery, restoring forests and strengthening our firefighting capacity, has just begun.
To our global family: thank you. Your solidarity in these difficult days gives us strength and hope for renewal.
Project 22437
URGENT EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN -Help Save And Restore Israel’s Forests
Project 22034
Protecting Israel’s Forests in the North: Join KKL-JNF’s Critical Firefighting Project
Project 17818
Firefighting Equipment for KKL-JNF Firefighters
Project 16741
Tinshemet Overhead Advanced Fire Detection System
Project 20629 – Donated
Revolutionizing KKL-JNF’s Firefighting Operations with 9 Command-and-Control Units
Fires Across Israel – Restoration of the Forests – By Rabbi Gideon Shloush
Fires Across Israel – “Protect Your Life” – By Rabbi Gideon Shloush
The symbolism of the “bonfires” of Lag B’Omer – By Rabbi Gideon Shloush
Fires Across Israel – “Partnering with God” – By Rabbi Gideon Shloush
Fires Across Israel – “For the Sake of my Brothers” – By Rabbi Gideon Shloush Fires Across Israel
