Keren Hayesod (1920 - present)

Keren Hayesod (1920-present), קרן היסוד, known in English as United Israel Appeal of 'the Foundation Fund,' was founded at the World Zionist Congress in London in July 1920 to provide funds for Zionist movement, with a focus on establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Early leaders of the group included Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein and Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Keren Hayesod has been involved in the building of entire communities in Israel, especially for refugees fleeing Anti-Semitism, including escapees from European concentration camps during the Second World War. The organization played a role in establishing the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and Bank Hapoalim. After the foundation of Israel, Keren Hayesod was instrumental in housing thousands of Jewish refugees from nearby countries.