BySimon Rocker, Simon Rocker
JNF UK this week announced a new agreement to support Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael in Jerusalem, finally putting their costly legal dispute behind them.
In a deal reached in Jerusalem, JNF UK agreed to fundraise for KKL projects in Israel, while retaining freedom to support additional causes of its own choice in Israel.
JNF UK, which will remain an independent charity, will be able to use both the JNF and KKL logos in the UK under licence from the KKL, while KKL will refrain from operating its own branch here.
KKL Scotland - which broke away from JNF UK two years ago - will return to the JNF fold as a subsidiary.
Three years ago, KKL announced it was setting up its own British office, unleashing a legal conflict over the right to use the names JNF and Jewish National Fund in the UK that cost the two organisations around £4 million.
The two sides formally announced the end of hostilities in January this year.
Samuel Hayek, who was appointed the new chairman of JNF UK, said: "I am delighted to have been able successfully to resolve all disputes between JNF UK and KKL. It is particularly pleasing to conclude on such a positive note as we look forward to Rosh Hashanah."
He added: "Now we can all turn our attention to our primary goal of fundraising more effectively for those projects in Israel that JNF UK and its donors are so passionate about, especially the enormous challenge of the redevelopment of the Negev."