Founded
in 1891 by Baron Maurice de Hirsch, the Jewish Colonization Association started
its operation in Israel in 1900.
During the last years, ICA has concentrated its activities to the development of
the peripheral areas of Galilee and the Negev. ICA supports novel projects in
the fields of education, agriculture and tourism in rural areas.
ICA is unique in its support to agriculture and tourism in Galilee and the
Negev. This is due to its recognition of the importance of these fields, as the
main source of employment and income there.
ICA’s
main offices are situated in London while the Israeli ones are in Raanana.
ICA is run by a Council of Administration, headed by a President, and 12 members
from Europe, the US and Israel:
President: Sir Stephen Waley Cohen, Bt.
Vice President: Baron Alain Philippson, Belgium.
Council: John Jakobi, UK;
Mark J. Sebba, UK; Relly Brickner (Ph.D.), Israel; Hana Smouha, UK;
Prof. Yona Chen, Israel; Jacques Capelluto, USA, Beatrice Jouan, France; Itche
Lidor, Israel; Mordechai (Kedmon) Cohen
(Ph.D.),
Israel; Gen(Ret.) Amos Yadlin, Israel; Jacques-Martin Philippson, Belgium;
Honorary Members: Efraim Halevy, Israel; Yoki Lothan, Israel. Vice President:
Yehiel Admoni, Israel.