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"Easy to Breathe" environmental revolution in Israel

"Neighborhood renewal" is back - this time with a social-environmental bent. The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MoEP) and Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) are leading a NIS 390 million "Easy to Breathe" environmental revolution, including programs to fund the restoration of housing projects, the installation of photovoltaic panels on rooftops, and more. The revolution began in early 2017 with programs and projects aimed at reducing vehicular air pollution. The "JNF Easy to Breathe" program is being funded as part of a debt agreement between the State of Israel and the JNF.

The MoEP and ​KKL-JNF are leading their "Easy to Breathe" revolution, aimed at reducing pollution and environmental risks, and improving the quality of life for Israeli citizens. The NIS 390 million program includes national projects being jointly administered by the JNF and the government.

It began in late 2016, with a Clean Car Revolution, aimed at reducing air pollution, and made up of programs to: subsidize the purchase of hybrid taxis and electric buses, subsidize the installation of particulate filters on garbage trucks, and suppor the establishment of electric car-sharing systems. Learn more about the MoEP's Clean Car Revolution.

The projects being launched now are aimed at producing green energy and reducing energy consumption, restoring old buildings, and improving neighborhoods and quality of life for Israelis in the periphery.

MoEP Director General Zeev Elkin: "I am proud that our plans are a continuation of the famous "Neighborhood Restoration" project initiated by the Begin government in the 1980s. Only this time, the project uses environmental tools and a proven economic model. We added the idea of [funding] buiding maintenance through photovoltaic panels... so that residents will benefit from fruits of the projects, both physically and socially, through profits. We have created a socio-economic-environmental approach with a unique model. This is the new neighborhood rehabilitation, a social and environmental revolution using tools of the 21st century."

KKL-JNF Chair Danny Atar: "KKL-JNF is the largest leading green entity in the country. In addition to our commitment to promoting policies with social values throughout Israel, and to nurturing green space, we see great importance in improving the fabric and quality of life for the residents of Israel. The neighborhood renewal and energy efficiency projects are part of our commitment to reduce the gaps in the geographic and social periphery of the State of Israel, and to make conditions in these areas equal to those in the center of the country. I am certain that these projects will help the local authorities save costs and will enable them to allocate resources for the advancement of education and welfare, alongside the improvement of the residents' environmental and air quality."

MoEP Deputy Director General Yaron Mazuz: "I am pleased, and congratulate the MoEP and the KKL-JNF for leading a NIS 390 million environmental revolution. The important programs include reducing vehicular air pollution, one of the ministry's main objectives. I congratulate all those working to improve the quality of life for all of us."