DaysofPal – In 2024, an Australian charity claiming to support humanitarian causes in Israel donated close to $29 million to Keren Hayesod, an organization that publicly positions itself as a key pillar of the Israeli state and its national priorities, including helping members of the Jewish diaspora who travel from abroad to enlist in the Israeli army.
The transfers took place during a year when Israel’s genocide in Gaza reached its most intense phase. More than 100 Palestinians were being killed each day, most of them women and children.
The charity involved is United Israel Appeal (UIA) Australia, which operates as Keren Hayesod’s fundraising arm in the country. Financial disclosures released by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission show that since 2013, UIA Australia has consistently sent the bulk of its tax-free donations and sponsorship income to Keren Hayesod. Over that period, the total amount transferred has reached nearly $300 million.
The figures were first reported by the independent outlet Michael West Media.
UIA Australia is preparing to host a high-profile gala in 2026, with Ron Dermer, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and a senior adviser to Israel’s prime minister, scheduled to headline the event.
Funding priorities questioned
UIA describes its short-term mission as providing relief, welfare, maintenance, education, and transport to Israel for people facing persecution, famine, or economic hardship outside the country. Its long-term mission focuses on integrating those individuals into Israeli society and providing vocational training.
Questions have been raised over how these stated goals align with support for diaspora Jews who voluntarily travel to Israel to enlist in the army following the 7 October 2023 attacks and the subsequent war on Gaza.
Middle East Eye contacted UIA Australia for comment regarding the transfers and their purpose, but no response was received before publication.
Keren Hayesod raises most of its funds outside Israel through affiliated charities operating in 45 countries. Part of that funding supports programs such as “Wings Lone Soldier,” which provides assistance to immigrant soldiers, helping them adjust to civilian life and settle permanently in Israel.
Jewish immigration, known as aliyah, remains one of the organization’s core objectives. According to Keren Hayesod’s 2024 impact report, the organization supported 2,200 “lone soldiers” during that year, with 65 percent choosing to remain in Israel.
A report published by The Jerusalem Post in December said Keren Hayesod collected $645 million globally between 2023 and 2025 to support Israel during its war on Gaza. Over 71,500 Palestinians have been killed during that period, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Founded in 1920 at the World Zionist Congress, Keren Hayesod was created in response to the Balfour Declaration and its call for Jewish immigration to British Mandate Palestine. On its website, the organization describes itself as one of four national institutions of Israel, alongside the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the Jewish National Fund, all of which hold a special protected legal status.
UIA also operates offices in the United States and Canada. In the US, UIA raises funds for the Jewish Agency for Israel, while in Canada it directs donations to Keren Hayesod.
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