Overview: Supporting Israel as a PBI The Jewish National Fund (Australia) Pty Ltd operates as a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI). Its primary aim is to relieve poverty, distress, suffering, and disadvantage, particularly among communities in Israel’s periphery and conflictaffected zones. All activities are structured to comply with its PBI obligations, delivering direct, practical aid to individuals and families in need, especially in times of crisis. Emergency Relief and Trauma Recovery (PBIAligned Response) Following the devastating October 7 attacks, JNF Australia, in its PBI role, launched the Israel in Crisis Emergency Campaign and raised over $5.2 million to provide critical humanitarian assistance. This included: Temporary shelter and housing for displaced residents Trauma counselling and psychological services for victims Emergency provisions such as food, clothing, and personal care kits Construction of community bomb shelters in highrisk areas These activities directly align with JNF Australia’s PBI purpose by offering urgent relief to people suffering severe trauma, displacement, and poverty. Support for Disadvantaged and Marginalised Populations (PBI Core Focus) As a PBI, JNF Australia funds projects that deliver tangible support to Israel’s most vulnerable populations. These include: Programs for atrisk youth and disengaged adolescents (e.g., Kadima Youth Centre in Tel Aviv) Special needs services for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses Infrastructure for economically disadvantaged communities in Israel’s south and north Assistance for new immigrant populations (e.g., Beta Israel community projects for Ethiopian Jews) Each initiative targets systemic disadvantage and promotes community wellbeing, consistent with its PBI classification. Mental Health and Psychosocial Healing (PBICompliant Therapeutic Programs) Recognising that emotional suffering is as debilitating as physical need, JNF Australia’s PBI operations include comprehensive mental health support: The Eran Mental Health Helpline: Offers free, anonymous crisis support nationwide Expansion of the Healing Garden at Soroka Medical Centre Establishment of the Beit Nova Resilience Centre, a trauma recovery facility for survivors of the October 7 Nova festival attack These programs are directly PBIcompliant, providing benevolent care and psychosocial relief for individuals in deep distress. Educational and Economic Empowerment (PBIBased Capacity Building) Under its PBI framework, JNF Australia supports educational access and economic empowerment for disadvantaged groups, including: Scholarships and leadership development for students from lowincome families through the Atidim Program Agricultural training and selfsufficiency programs for marginalised communities (e.g., the Atachlit Beta Israel Village) Support for special education and inclusive learning environments in remote communities While educational, thes
International Activities
As a registered Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), JNF Australia undertakes international activities aimed at alleviating poverty, trauma, and hardship in vulnerable Israeli communities. Following the October 7 attacks, it raised over $5.2 million to fund emergency shelter, mental health support, and trauma recovery services for over 15,000 displaced individuals. JNF also supports public benevolent projects such as youth centres for at-risk teens, healing gardens in hospitals, and psychosocial support for terror survivors. All activities are designed to alleviate suffering and disadvantage, consistent with the charity s PBI obligations and mission to assist those in severe distress.