rim a on The Insider NEW sEWS dth k at www.jarc.org both in the Negev and built with JNF support. srael's freshwater shortage is acute. The crisis has triggered the need for alternative water sources as well as forcing farmers to face water quotas. Israel is in the throes of its worst water shortfall in years. Reservoirs have hit a 10-year low. And Israel's main freshwater supply — the Kinneret — is at its lowest level in 40 years because of four straight dry winters. Other possible freshwater sources include purified sew- age water (for agricultural use), captured floodwater and desalinated seawater. Such sources would significantly boost Israel's supply of available freshwater. Enter Israel's venerable environmental watchdog: The Jewish National Fund. JNF is the cog for partnering the land and people of Israel. Michigan Region President Jim Hiller of Hiller's Markets has kicked off "31 Days in May, Water for Israel." The inspired drive, co-chaired by JNF board members Allan Gale and Jeff Mark, is aimed at raising awareness of and money for new freshwater sources. JNF — a legend in tree planting and land purchases — provides vital freshwater resources to Israel through its reservoirs Jim Hiller and treatment plants. Over the past year, Israel's popula- tion has grown by 200,000 to 7.4 million. By 2020, it's expected to grow by another 3 million. That means the Jewish state will require another 80 billion gallons of drinking water, according to JNF. By any standard, Israel must build more reservoirs to increase the amount of recycled water available for farm- ing and to prevent pollution resulting from insufficiently treated water reaching rivers and streams. At the same time, the diaspora must applaud cleanup of Israel's polluted waterways. Like JNF says, let us vigor- ously support "the work of Israel's top scientists on new water recycling techniques to maximize every precious I drop of water." JNF operates 204 reservoirs across Israel. They have added 66 billion gallons of treated water and floodwater to Israel's national water economy. That flow irrigates 112,000 acres of orchards and field crops — about 40 percent of Israel's farming demand. Consider what impact lack of this network would have on Israel's drinking water. More than 70 percent of the wastewater in Israel is purified, the highest concentration anywhere. Spain is second with just 17 percent of its wastewater recycled. Still, almost 90 billion gallons of wastewater in Israel are not recycled. Thank you, JNF, for committing to building another 40 reservoirs over the next five years. JNF res- ervoirs do not just hold recycled wastewater. Some cap- ture rainwater and flood runoff; the intake is redirected for irrigation and to bolster aquifers. Israel already is a world innovator when it comes to desalination. The Ashkelon facility is the largest such plant in the world. Israel's Water Authority has set an ambitious goal of desalinating 200 billion gallons of water by 2015 to furnish most of the nation's household freshwater needs. Water is only part of JNF's life-sustaining work in the State of Israel. Over 107 years, the independent chari- table agency has planted 240 million trees, built 1,000 parks, built security roads, taught students around the world about Israel, created new communities for immi- grants, discovered new ways to grow plants in arid condi- tions and brought green to the desert. But let there be no mistake: Increasing the freshwater supply, as underscored by the Michigan Region's "31 Days in May, Water for Israel" campaign, may be JNF's top priority today. 7_ — Robert Sklar, editor Campaign connection: Giving levels and more background, www.jnf.org/31daysinmay. Our JN Mission The Jewish News aspires to communicate news and opinion that's useful, engaging, enjoyable and unique. It strives to reflect the full range of diverse viewpoints while also advocating positions that strengthen Jewish unity and continuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, caring, enjoyable work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. We acknowledge our role as a responsible, responsive member of the community. Being competitive, we must always strive to be the most respected, outstanding Jewish community publication in the nation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, contented employees and profitable growth. clusive Safari-Inspired Family Evening at The Detroit Zoo! The Arad Reservoir, left, and Besor Reservoir Complex, above, Celebrate JARC's 40th Anniversary! THURSDAY JUNE 4, 2009 6-9 PM SpringElation Safari funds 8D% of JARC's services to children with any disability. Our families need your support more than ever. lac BUY TICKETS ONLINE! SPONSORSHIPS From 1 150 Individual Tickets $20 www.jarc.org.„ May 7 • 2009 A5