The Climate Solutions Prize (CSP) is currently attempting to shift the narrative around the organization and its associations. CSP sent a message to its speakers, supporters, partners, judges, sponsors, and advisors. They stated that “transparency and open dialogue are important.” They stated that
“While CSP was initially incubated with support from JNF Canada and other organizations interested in climate innovation, it is since 2024 an independent, non-partisan charitable organization with its own governance, leadership, partnerships, and programming. Our mission remains clear: to accelerate climate innovation and build ecosystems capable of addressing the climate crisis…At a time when climate change represents one of humanity’s greatest shared challenges, we believe it is essential to create spaces where leaders can exchange ideas, build partnerships, and accelerate practical solutions that benefit communities around the world. This is what CSP provides. Your presence, leadership, and continued support mean a great deal to our climate community, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
While CSP noted their non-profit registration, they failed to address the real and material connections to Israel, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) Canada, and other institutions / individuals that actively and adamantly support the state of Israel and its ongoing genocide. We also welcome the opportunity to provide direct and transparent information.
Up until March 2024, CSP’s website continued to list its connection to Israel and the JNF.
29 February 2024
19 March 2024
Around the same time, CSP removed its list of partners which as of March 3 2024 were listed as Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF) (Israel Partner), JNF Canada (Lead Partner), Start-Up Nation Central (Israel Partner), 2 Degres (Quebec Partner), Cycle Momentum (Quebec Partner), and Esplanade Quebec (Quebec Partner); with special support from Peres Center for Peace & Innovation (Israel Partner); and leadership from Jonathan Ross Goodman (Campaign Chair), Jeff Hart (Executive Chair). They also specifically listed out leadership from JNF Canada, KKL-JNF, Start Up Nation Central, and a Global Advisory Group.
JNF Canada
Startup Nation Central
KKL-JNF
Global Advisory
Some background:
“The Jewish National Fund of Canada (JNFC), is a long-time, Zionist, indoctrination apparatus…[that] operate[d] as a Canadian charitable conduit for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and the illegal settlements in the occupied territory. Under the auspices of greenwashing Palestinian ethnic cleansing efforts that have been foundational to building the state of Israel, the JNFC has moved tens of millions of dollars CDN in tax-deductible donations into the so-called Jewish state.” – Miles Howe
The Jewish National Fund in Israel is known as Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael or KKL-JNF. KKL-JNF is one of “four pillar national institutions of the State of Israel, all of which enjoy a special protected legal status.” The World Zionist Organization, Jewish Agency for Israel, and Keren Hayesod are the remaining three institutions. Further, while JNF Canada’s charitable status was revoked (and they have lost multiple appeals), they took over a separate registered charity and renamed it Friends of JNF Canada.
By May 21 2024, only three individuals were listed as Leadership:
There was no longer any reference to Israel, JNF, or Start Up Nation — just like the About page.
However, the connections never ended. CSP continued to hand out CSP awards in Israel, including one in September 2025. In September 2025, StartUp Nation wrote
“A total of over $3M is awarded to the selected startups by leading investors, funds, and the Climate Solutions Prize organization. In addition to these awards, winning companies will gain opportunities for global exposure, access to strategic partnerships, and potential additional funding from both the live audience and international stakeholders. The mission is clear: connect global capital with breakthrough Israeli solutions and inspire impactful, long-term investments.” [emphasis added]
Chairman of the Climate Solutions Prize, Jeff Hart said:
“Hosting 25 leading investors and impact philanthropists on the CSP Tour is proof of the strong momentum building around Israeli climate tech. The commitments we have been able to secure are just the beginning. Next year’s Climate Solutions Prize for Israel will be even larger, and anyone serious about climate innovation will want to join us.” [emphasis added]
The Times of Israel said:
“The competition…is a key driver for Israel’s climate tech ecosystem.” [emphasis added]
The Times of Israel also reported that leadding partners continue to include Startup Nation Central, Jewish Funders Network, Kinneret Innovation Center, Planetech, Israel Innovation Authoriy, Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and more.
In November 2022, JNF Canada advertised its annual Negev Dinner and stated proceeds would “support the Climate Solutions Prize powered by JNF and the JNF Israel Resilience Fund.”
In February 2024, various news reports continued to report the Climate Solutions Prize as a collaboration between JNF Canada and KKL-JNF. As of at least October 9, 2024, JNF Canada continued to advertised the Climate Solutions Prize on its website, stating CSP is “powered by JNF Canada”.
Therefore, there is no evidence that the drivers behind CSP have changed since its inception. The leadership remains the same. It claims to be an independent, non-partisan, charitable organization. However, there is no evidence it is independent of JNF Canada, KKL-JNF, or Startup Nation. Further, it continues to provide support for Israeli companies, and therefore the Israeli economy. This is partisan support, not just for a foreign country, but for a State actively committing genocide, instituting and illegal occupation, and enacting an apartheid regime. These are not opinions but well established facts. The idea of Israel supporting innovations that address climate change is just an absurd attempt at greenwashing. Even when only considering the last 2.5 years, Israel not only killed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and Lebanese communities — and entire family lines — they have also contributed to climate change and the destruction of indigenous Palestinian land. As Hamza Hamouchene wrote:
“At first glance, it may feel misplaced or even inappropriate to write about climate and ecological issues in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. However, what is unfolding in Gaza is not merely genocide: it is also ecocide—or what some have described as a holocide: the deliberate annihilation of an entire social and ecological fabric. Gaza is strewn with more than 40 million tonnes of debris and hazardous material, much of it containing human remains.”
Beyond CSP’s obvious ties to Israel and colonial institutions (e.g., JNF Canada and KKL-JNF), CSP has deep connections to pro-Israel Canadian institutions and individuals. This includes Stephen Bronfman, Jeff Hart, Jonathan Goodman and their associated family foundations (Jeff & Geraldine Hart Family Foundation, The Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation, The Schachter & Hart Family Foundation, and the Claudine & Stephen Bronfman Foundation). Individuals like Stephen Bronfman are proud zionists whose charitable giving supports Israel’s settler colonial project (for instance, Birthright Israel).
Questions for Speakers / Supports to ask CSP:
- Do you currently have any connections to the Jewish National Fund Canada, Startup Nation Central, and/or Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF)?
- Will a CSP award be given to an Israeli tech start up this year (2026)?
- Do you have any connections to the Israeli government, including any government agencies or state-owned institutions (e.g., Israeli Innovation Authority)?
- What is your understanding of the impact Israel destruction in Gaza has on climate change?
- Do you condemn Israel’s unlawful actions in occupied Palestine, including in Gaza and the West Bank?
