Naples philanthropists join 1,400 proud Zionists at Jewish National Fund-USA’s National Conference

Over 1,400 supporters of the land and people of Israel, including a delegation from Naples and the Greater Southwest and Central Florida area, united in Boston on Nov. 4-6, 2022 for an unforgettable and riveting weekend at Jewish National Fund-USA’s largest ever National Conference. The organization’s annual symposium is unique in that it brings together high school students, college students, rabbinical students, leading philanthropists, prominent Zionist thought leaders, and Israelis from the Negev and Galilee who are directly and positively impacted by the partnership of Jewish National Fund-USA.

Jewish National Fund-USA’s President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram, announced that the organization was close to achieving its fundraising target for its “One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade” as its supporters reclaim the Zionist narrative and stand up against Jew-hatred.

In addition to hearing from incredible speakers and influencers, including Israel’s ambassador, Michael Herzog, Ronald S. Lauder, Olga Meshoe Washington, Rachel Fish, Hen Mazzig and Ben M. Freeman, attendees celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss).

Jewish National Fund-USA partners and professionals from Naples and other areas of Florida come together at the 2022 National Conference.

Participants also learned about one of the organization’s largest initiatives ever announced — the creation of a 20-acre World Zionist Village to be built in Be’er Sheva, Israel, which will bring together Jews and Zionists of all ages and backgrounds from around the world.

Additionally, through various engaging plenaries and interactive sessions, including a “Shark Tank-style,” event, attendees were impressed to learn how Jewish National Fund-USA is the largest provider of Zionist educational activities in the U.S. and how it is improving the quality of life throughout Israel by providing new beginnings for Ukrainian refugees and families making aliyah (immigration to Israel); creating new employment and housing opportunities; delivering ag-tech solutions to farmers in developing countries; empowering people with disabilities to thrive in Israeli society; solving global food and water crises, and so much more.

“A dairy farm in the desert, a 100% off-the-grid aquatic center in the middle of nowhere, building the finest culinary institute in the world located in the Greater Kiryat Shmona area — a region in which people never before talked about moving to, only moving from,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s CEO Russell F. Robinson. “This is our opportunity to stand up and say to the world and to future generations, ‘we are one and we are in!’”

“I never realized the tremendous and widespread impact that Jewish National Fund-USA had on so many diverse people in Israel,” said JNF-USA Naples Board member, Sue Bookbinder. “The whole event masterfully showed how there is no end to how far the organization’s reach can spread.”

Jewish National Fund-USA’s National Conference also welcomed over 600 high school and college students from across the country. Other conference highlights included emotional performances by the organization’s Special in Uniform band, an initiative that empowers young people with cognitive disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and enjoy the same “rite of passage” as their peers. An exclusive late-night cocktail reception was also held for 200 young philanthropists ages 22-40.

“It was so great to be a part of such an incredible event,” said JNF-USA Naples Board President, David Braverman. “The best part for me was all the young adults and college kids in attendance, which makes it clear to me our future is bright. If you love Israel and you want an awesome Zionist experience while meeting new friends, do whatever you can to make it next year.”

Registration is now open for Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2023 International Conference for Israel, which will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Denver, Colorado. Sign up at jnf.org/nc2023 or contact Joshua Mellits, JNF-USA Director, Western Florida and Orlando, at 941-462-1330 x865 or jmellits@jnf.org.

About Jewish National Fund-USA

JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.