JNF Australia Opens Visitor Centre in Israel
The centre, housed in a former water tower at Kibbutz Zikim, showcases more than 110 projects supported by Australians since October 7, 2023.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
JNF Australia has opened a visitor centre at Kibbutz Zikim in Israel, its first such centre in the country. The facility is housed in a former disused water tower near Israel's Gaza border and displays projects supported by Australian donors.
Why it matters
The centre gives supporters a direct, interactive view of how donated funds have been used in Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Its opening coincides with the 125th anniversary of KKL-JNF, the international organisation founded in 1901.
The centre presents more than 110 projects supported by Australians since October 7, 2023, through three wraparound screens and interactive displays. The source does not provide funding totals or independent measures of project results.
The players
JNF Australia
JNF Australia is the Australian arm of KKL-JNF, the Jewish National Fund, which supports land and water projects in Israel.
Doron Lazarus
Doron Lazarus is the chief executive of JNF Australia, who cut the ribbon at the centre's opening during the Stronger Together tour.
KKL-JNF
KKL-JNF is the Jewish National Fund, an international organisation founded in 1901 that carries out land development and environmental projects in Israel.
The details
Visitors can select individual projects and explore them through images, sound, lighting and personal accounts from families, farmers and children. The centre includes a rooftop observation deck shaded by a pergola, along with gardens, native plants and outdoor seating.
Timeline
October 7, 2023: Attacks after which Australian-supported projects began.
October 31, 2026: Visitor centre opening reported.
1901: KKL-JNF established internationally, marking the 125th anniversary this year.
Big Picture
The opening marks KKL-JNF's 125th anniversary, tracing back to its establishment in 1901. The centre extends that long-running work in Israel into a public-facing experience for donors.
Supporters of JNF Australia who plan to visit Israel can use the Kibbutz Zikim centre to see funded projects first-hand. A planned feature will let supporters search for their names and identify the projects they helped fund.
The takeaway
The centre shows how donor funds translate into tangible projects on the ground. Supporters can follow new projects and progress reports as they are added to the exhibition.
Further reading
For more on Australian travel and destinations, explore Australia and New Zealand travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by J-Wire.
