JEWISH NATIONAL FUND ACCEPTS STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sarina Roffé
Jewish National Fund
212-879-9305 ext. 221

May 30, 2002 - New York – New York State Attorney General applauded today the adoption by Jewish National Fund of "standards designed to ensure proper stewardship and oversight of charitable assets entrusted to Jewish philanthropic organizations."

"In response to the tragic events of September 11, Americans contributed over $2 billion to charitable organizations," said Spitzer. "More than ever before, they have demanded – and are entitled to – information as to how their extraordinary and unprecedented contributions are being used."

"Good charities should be run like good businesses," said Russell F. Robinson, CEO of Jewish National Fund. "They need to be accountable to their donors by operating in the sunshine and according to Jewish ethics."

The comments are in response to JNF’s accepting the Standards of Practice for Jewish Philanthropies issued by Tzedekah, Inc. The Standards cover issues such as governance, compliance with all local, state and federal laws, reporting and disclosure, stewardship of resources, fundraising practices and human resources. The entire 26-page document can be viewed at www.just-tzedakah.org .

Reviewed and adopted by JNF’s Executive Committee at its May meeting, President Ronald S. Lauder said it was important for Jewish philanthropic organizations to operate in a professional manner.

"It is standard business practice to operate within a set of ethics that encourages professionalism and works towards the organization’s mission. By adopting the Standards of Practice for Jewish Philanthropies, JNF is showing its commitment to a higher standard and is in a leadership position among Jewish philanthropic organizations," said Lauder.

"The guidelines include many provisions that go beyond (New York State) statute, such as the including specific limitations on the percentage of expenses that may be devoted to fundraising costs. I applaud those provisions," said Spitzer. "The voluntary cooperation of those who are responsible for administering charitable assets greatly assists me in the exercise of my responsibilities.

Tzedekah Inc, organized by Potomac, MD economist Dr. Ira Kaminow, issued the Standards of Practice to encourage confidence in how Jewish non-profits operate.

"We could not be more pleased that an organization of the stature of the JNF has accepted the standards. We look forward to applying our standards to many other organizations with the hope of encouraging their commitment to high standards of business practice as in the case of JNF," said Dr. Kaminow.

"In giving charity and help, we gain the merit of becoming closer and more like our Creator. In Hebrew, charity - -tzedakah – has the same root as justice – tzedek. What is not just, is also not charity," said Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, founder of the Aleph Society and winner of the Israel Prize, known for his work on Jewish ethics. "The standards of practice accepted by the Jewish National Fund fulfill both meanings of this word – both tzedek and tzedakah."

Dr. Kaminow organized a well-balanced and distinguished group of professionals with a background in halacha (Jewish law), accounting, consumer affairs, law and philanthropy for the drafting committee. The committee included Robinson; Rabbi Yosef Blau, Yeshiva University; Lawrence Kobrin, Esq.; former New York City Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jules Polonetsky, Esq.; Rabbi Mordecai Liebling, Shefa Fund; Daniel Rothner, Judaic Studies Faculty, Abraham Joshua Heschel Middle School; Robert Mednick, CPA; Penina Kessler Lieber, Esq.; Helen Bensimon, public relations consultant; and Allen Weitzner, information systems executive.

The Standards of Practice for Jewish Philanthropies bear some similarity to the Better Business Bureau Standards for Charitable Solicitations but differ in that they are more comprehensive and are specifically geared toward Jewish non-profits and the obligation of tzedekah.

Jewish National Fund is a non-profit organization celebrating its 100^th Anniversary as caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners - Jewish people everywhere. After its establishment in 1901 at the Fifth Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, JNF set out to achieve its goal of purchasing the land that would become the State of Israel. Following the successful establishment of the state in 1948, the organization has evolved to meet Israel’s most pressing needs, including the current water crisis and other environmental challenges. Over the past century, the organization has planted over 220 million trees, built over 120 dams and reservoirs, developed over 250,000 acres of land, created more than 400 parks throughout Israel and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment. For more information on JNF or to plant trees in Israel, call 1-800-542-TREE (8733) or visit www.jnf.org .