Keren Hayesod - United Israel Appeal is the preeminent worldwide fundraising
organization for Israel, which was established in London in 1920, to serve as the
fundraising arm of the Jewish People and the Zionist Movement.
Keren Hayesod is recognized today as a National Institution (Public Benefit Company),
with a special legal statues, according to the Keren Hayesod Law of 1956, granting it
a unique position in the connection between Israel and world Jewry and friends of
Israel.
Since its establishment Keren Hayesod has been at the forefront of Israel's growth
and progress. Its history has been inextricably intertwined with that of the State of
Israel, the People of Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
In its early years, Keren Hayesod focused on Aliyah, established over 900 urban and
rural settlements and developed the economic, industrial, educational, and cultural
framework for the state-on-the-way. It supported the establishment of national and
public organizations, such as the national airline EL AL, The Israel Electricity Company,
The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hebrew University, etc.
Today Keren Hayesod operates fundraising campaigns in over 40 countries and 60
communities around the world and with friends of Israel, in 9 languages, based on
partnerships with local offices and leadership.