Seeing the difference we make

By Norm Isaacs

As my wife, Cristina, and I enjoy traveling the world; I would be remiss not to share some of the remarkable developments we saw on our last trip to Israel. I am a proud member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Negev Society and Healthcare Professionals for Israel, so I felt it was important to see some of the work I’ve been part of in the last few years. What I saw with my own eyes blew me away, and I can confidently say that the Jewish future is brighter than ever.

Our first stop was at the Bookbinder Family Foundation Center for Disability Employment and Inclusion at the Palmachim Air Force Base, established by fellow Naples community member Sue Bookbinder. I serve on the Jewish National Fund-USA Naples Board of Directors with Sue, making it extra special. The center is under the auspices of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Special in Uniform.

Touring the base, we saw how they integrate young Israelis with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. These brave soldiers serve with dignity and pride and are fully included in work and life at the base alongside other Air Force soldiers. It was moving to speak with Special in Uniform soldiers personally and learn about their various essential jobs, from monitoring security feeds to assembling and maintaining military equipment. More than that, it was clear that these soldiers are valued members of the base at large — a true example of excellence in inclusion.

The Isaacs with Tiran Attia at Special in Uniform

From Palmachim, we headed south to Be’er Sheva, where a lush park and lake greeted us. This River Park is nothing short of an ecological miracle and a boon to the city, which was long neglected and is now bursting with ambition and potential. Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA’s Blueprint Negev campaign, which we are proud supporters of, the dream of creating a high quality of life and attracting 500,000 new residents to the region is coming to fruition. I must admit, I find myself tempted to purchase a home there!

Another highlight of our time in Be’er Sheva was visiting the Lauder Employment Center (LEC). Fostering relationships with more than 300 employers, the LEC makes it possible for young adults to secure high-quality employment that, in turn, strengthens the region’s attractiveness. The LEC serves everyone who wants to make Be’er Sheva and the surrounding area their home. It was impressive to see how they are also finding quality employment for thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

The next place we visited also makes a difference in lifting people up. Jewish National Fund-USA’s Arava International Center for Agriculture Training brings students from 16 countries across the developing world to learn and research cutting-edge technology, which they then implement in their home communities. These young leaders spread a love of Israel and empower vulnerable communities to create a better future.

Our last stop left the greatest impact on us. At the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian students come together to study and address some of our planet’s most pressing problems. While there, my wife, a clinical neuropsychologist, had a captivating discussion with a Ghanaian student regarding new discoveries about the healing properties of plant cells. We were lucky to enjoy a long conversation with Tareq Abu Hamed, the Institute’s Director, who shared the impact of their work both on climate issues and in building connections between researchers of different backgrounds.

After decades of supporting Jewish National Fund-USA, seeing our donations at work was a true joy and honor.

To learn more or get involved, contact Joshua Mellits at jmellits@jnf.org or 561-447-0833.