JNF UK has launched an appeal to support the restoration of forests across central Israel following last week’s devastating wildfires, which caused widespread environmental damage across more than 20 square kilometres of land. 

The fires, among the worst in Israel’s history, severely affected an estimated 12 square kilometres of forest, including areas nurtured for decades through JNF’s worldwide afforestation efforts. Among the areas most impacted: 

• Canada Park, where 60% of the forest area has been destroyed 

• Sections of the Anava Forest, Martyrs’ Forest, Shoresh Forest, and the Eshtaol Forest, planted in the 1950s by British Jews in honour of Israel’s first president, Dr. Chaim Weizmann 

• Nearly 3 square kilometres of the Kfira Nature Reserve, a vital natural habitat in the Jerusalem Corridor 

“These forests are more than green spaces—they are living legacies,” said Elan Gorji, CEO of JNF UK. “They reflect decades of care, investment, and connection between the Jewish diaspora and the land of Israel. Their loss is deeply felt, but we are committed to ensuring their renewal.” 

JNF UK is working closely with its longstanding partners KKL-JNF in Israel, who bring generations of expertise in forestry, land care, and ecological restoration. KKL-JNF teams are currently on-site assessing the damage and initiating recovery operations. 

A representative of the KKL-JNF team in Israel said: “Israel’s forests play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, supporting water conservation, and acting as natural carbon sinks. They also provide much-needed spaces for recreation, education, and wellbeing for communities across the country—making their restoration not just an ecological priority, but a national one.” 

The campaign will fund critical long-term recovery efforts, including clearing debris, stabilising soil, repairing damaged infrastructure, and supporting replanting and regeneration based on expert environmental guidance.