Since the beginning of the 20th century, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund’s (KKL-JNF) blue box has been far more than a tool for collecting donations. It has been a symbol of Zionism, of redeeming the land and of connecting Jews in the Diaspora with the Land of Israel.
This small box graced the tables of Jewish homes around the world, as well as synagogues and classrooms. Every coin dropped into it carried a promise of faith in a better future.
Now, in 2025, the box returns, joining a long line of dozens of blue boxes issued by KKL-JNF worldwide since the early 20th century.
These historic boxes reflected pivotal moments in Jewish history and included diverse editions—from the box placed on the desk of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern-day Zionism, to round boxes distributed in the United States, to leather prayer book-shaped boxes from Germany, and even the haunting Warsaw Ghetto box, discovered burned among the ruins after the Holocaust, and the one found burned in Kibbutz Nir Oz after the Hamas-led massacre in southern Israek on Oct. 7, 2023.
KKL-JNF’s “Iron Swords” box seeks to tell the national story of the past two years.
On Oct. 7, the State of Israel experienced the greatest disaster in its history. What began as a trauma became a prolonged war involving reservists throughout the country. Alongside efforts to rehabilitate communities in southern regions and the Gaza Envelope, KKL-JNF created a special edition of the legendary box, designed to serve as a symbol, a keepsake and a source of support for resilience and renewal projects.
The “Iron Swords” box is crafted in metal, inspired by the historic art of paper-cutting. Its front depicts a soldier carrying the flag of Israel—symbolizing the bravery of the Israel Defense Forces, and members of other military and law enforcement units who fought in the war.
The back of the box reveals the full story. The upper section shows destruction and shattering, while the lower section depicts a tractor plowing the land beside new homes, visually representing KKL-JNF’s work to rehabilitate southern communities and foster post-war renewal.
Along the sides, the contrast between destruction and construction, war and peace, is emphasized. Cracks and broken surfaces appear alongside furrows and blooming anemones, a powerful symbol of hope and renewed growth.
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, chairwoman of the agency, said that “since KKL-JNF’s founding, the blue box has accompanied the history of the Jewish people in the Diaspora and in the Land of Israel. We are living through historic days for the State of Israel, and we chose to release a special edition that tells the story of these times, not only of grief and destruction, but also of determination to rise and rebuild.
“It is a story of a difficult war, but also of a resilient people focused on renewal. The blue box has always symbolized the Jewish people’s partnership in building the Land, and it continues to fulfill this role today as part of KKL-JNF’s recovery mission.”
