Environment

Communities Recovering from the Carmel Fire

Responding to the Carmel Fire

Following the Carmel Forest fire the worst natural disaster in Israel’s history, NIF began mobilising support. In addition to providing emergency grants to communities, NIF and its environmental groups began mapping emergency and long-term recovery needs and addressing the consequences of the fire and prevention. NIF also worked to ensure equal allocation of resources for all victims in the area – Jews, Arabs, Druze and others.

Clear Air

Clean Air Law Comes into Force

Owing to the efforts of NIF grantee Israel Union of Environmental Defence Israel’s Clean Air Law came into effect on January 1, 2011. The law, which IUED formulated and lobbied for, sets strict emission standards, regulates procedures for monitoring air quality, and ensures public access to results and information. Most importantly, the law stipulates heavy fines for polluters. Tel Aviv is the third most polluted city in the European and Mediterranean region, and 1,100 people die annually in the Greater Tel Aviv region as a result of air pollution. IUED is supported by NIF through the Green Environment Fund.

Environmental Education

Green Network: Education for Arab and Jewish children

Thousands of children around the country, Arab, Jewish, secular, religious and ultra-orthodox learn about sustainable living and protecting their environment. Since its modest beginnings with 9 schools in 1998, NIF grantee Green Network has grown to be a presence in more than 200 schools in all sectors of society. Here we see the students of the Arab town of Tira selling the produce from the garden they planted and cultivated in a neglected plot next to their school. Jewish and Arab children participate in joint projects to protect their shared open spaces and water resources.