By virtue of a Covenant between the Jewish National Fund and the Government of Israel, the Fund was officially given the responsibility for formal and informal Zionist education in Israel and Jewish communities abroad.

In Australia, the JNF's Education Department has adopted a unique 'eco-Zionist' approach, focusing on enhancing school-children's knowledge and understanding of the need to maintain Israel's environmental balance and improve the quality of life in Israel.

The Department is staffed by a number of full and part-time Shlichim -

Federal & NSW:
Benjy Maor – based in Sydney
email: benjyM@jnfaustralia.com.au

Victoria:
Odelia Elimelech - email: odelia@jnfaus.com.au
Dana Goren - pre-school email: dana@jnfaus.com.au

Activities focus on trees, water and nature in general, both throughout the year and with highlights such as a special Education Week in Sydney's Jewish Day schools (run with the cooperation of JNF committees in the schools), an annual Tree-planting Day for Year-5's in Melbourne Day schools, and a NSW Board of Jewish Education weekend bringing Jewish students from country areas for nature-linked activities.

In Melbourne, younger students have the opportunity to enrol in the JNF Buddies, a challenging and fun 'Club'. Older students from both schools and youth movements are encouraged to take part in voluntary fundraising work, such as 'Green Sunday' telethons and Blue Box clearing.

Overall, the JNF's education programs foster a love for the land, an awareness of the need to develop and protect its environment, a tradition of volunteerism and a sense of identity and common purpose between Jewish youth in our communities and their peers in Israel - now and in the future.