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Rebuilding and reimagining Israel’s frontiers
The focus of annual Breakfast for Israel
Naples, Florida Dec. 30, 2024— Nearly 200 philanthropists seeking to rebuild Israel’s North and South united at the Vineyards Country Club on Dec. 10, 2024, for Jewish National Fund-USA’s fourth annual Breakfast for Israel in Naples.
The event's honoree was local resident Hank Greenberg, a past member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Naples Board of Directors from 2012 to 2024.
Featured speaker Shahar Azani, a Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Service who previously served as a diplomat with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over 15 years and as the Executive Director for the Northeast Region at StandWithUs, provided a full-scale analysis of the rise of antisemitism, insight into Israeli issues that Americans aren’t hearing on the news, and reinforced Israeli resilience and a bright future ahead for the Jewish Homeland.
“We have gone through quite a dark year,” said Azani. “It hasn’t been easy. In the course of this past year, Israel and the Jewish People all across the world have been engaged in a war for our very existence. But it’s also been a year of great inspiration. We have seen true leadership come from the ranks of the IDF, and incredible young men and women going out into battle with their hearts full, knowing what they stand for. So, as we remember the pain of the last year, I urge each and every one of you to remember the heroism and look into the heart and courage of the Jewish People and the State of Israel.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s ambassadors (lay leaders) also provided an update about Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Build Together” and “Reimagine” plans to revitalize impacted communities in Israel’s North and South, providing the infrastructure and quality of life needed to allow residents to feel safe coming home.
“In the aftermath of October 7, Jewish National Fund-USA has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting the land and people of Israel,” said Norman Isaacs, Co-President of the Naples Board of Directors. “We’ve mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by violence, ensuring that they have the necessary support to rebuild and recover. Our efforts have included funding for emergency services, psychological support, and community resilience programs.
We’ve also continued our longstanding initiatives to enhance infrastructure and education in Israel. This year, we’ve invested in sustainable agriculture projects, advanced water management systems, and green energy initiatives that are vital to Israel’s future. Our work to plant trees and create green spaces has provided not just environmental benefits, but also hope and healing for many.”
For more information or to learn about future events in Naples, contact Joshua Mellits, Jewish National FundUSA Director, Western Florida and Orlando at 941-462-1330 x865 or email jmellits@jnf.org.
