Hayesod

Hayesod, officially Keren Hayesod – The Foundation Fund (Hebrew: קרן היסוד), is the principal fundraising organization of the Zionist movement. It raises funds to support aliyah and the development of the State of Israel, as well as welfare and educational programs for Jewish communities worldwide.

Keren Hayesod was established in 1920 in response to the Balfour Declaration and the Zionist aim of creating a Jewish national homeland. It built a global network of national committees and fundraising campaigns to mobilize diaspora support for settlement in Palestine and, after 1948, for state-building and social services in Israel.

The organization maintains national committees around the world and coordinates with local Jewish federations and supporters. Donor contributions fund a range of Israeli projects, including immigration absorption, housing, education, welfare services, and development programs for new and existing communities, as well as support for institutions in Israel.

Global role and present-day status: Hayesod remains a major component of diaspora philanthropy for Israel, operating in many countries. In several regions its work is conducted in coordination with the United Israel Appeal (UIA) and other Zionist and Jewish philanthropic bodies, contributing to broader programs that support Israeli society and Jewish communities worldwide.