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ISRAEL & THE JEWISH WORLD
May 2022
Jewish National Fund-USA to Help Bring Congregations Home to Israel for a Visit New program offers $500 per person subsidy, other benefits By Jennifer Milton, JNF
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s they navigated the challenges of the past two years, synagogues offered their members online programming for everything from Shabbat and High Holy Day services to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Now, as COVID-19 restrictions ease and congregations reunite in person, Jewish National Fund-USA has one message for rabbis nationwide: “Seize the moment. It’s time to bring your congregations home to Israel.” On March 1, Jewish National FundUSA, in partnership with Tel Aviv-based Kenes Tours, announced it is launching Come Home for a Visit: Bring your Congregation to Israel, a new initiative that aims to help rabbis revive their relationships with congregants while restoring members’ connection to Judaism and the Jewish homeland. Through this new endeavor, made possible by a $1.6 million grant (over two years) from Jewish National FundUSA’s Boruchin Center, the organization is offering a $500 per participant
subsidy for all approved congregational missions to Israel. “Here in the United States, synagogues are working tirelessly to reestablish the feeling of community and the spiritual connection that comes from uniting together in a local house of worship,” said JNF-USA’s Chief of Staff, Deena Shiff, who heads up the organization’s Travel & Tours Department. “Bringing your congregants to Israel is the perfect way to nourish and reinvigorate them in meaningful ways, while also providing an economic boost for Israelis who need it the most.” “We are thrilled Israel’s travel and tourism industry has awakened from a two-year slumber,” added CEO of Kenes Tours, Cheri S. Levitan. “From our perspective, connecting with the land, people and cultures of Israel creates community like nothing else! We invite everyone back to Israel and hope to welcome you soon.” Planning a comprehensive and fulfilling tour of Israel for a group, however, is
no easy feat with so much to see and so much ground to cover. Luckily, Jewish National Fund-USA, which has connected individuals to the land and people of Israel for more than a century, is tapped into the best places to visit, eat and stay. By partnering with JNF-USA via the congregational travel program, synagogues will gain access to the organization’s exclusive full-service tour operator, who will help tailor the mission to the group’s needs and interests and make planning the international vacation an easy and seamless experience.
Facts at a Glance Come Home for a Visit: Bring Your Congregation to Israel All trips must be booked through JNF-USA’s Travel & Tours Department with a minimum of five days of touring. • The subsidy is available for congregations led by rabbis who are members of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Rabbis for Israel. Learn more at jnf.org/rabbisforisrael.
• Jewish National Fund-USA’s travel provider will work with congregations to organize everything: hotels, guides, budget, etc. • Participating congregations are free to determine their own itinerary, however, it is a requirement that one full day is devoted to exploring Jewish National Fund-USA’s impactful projects in Israel. • If your congregation does not have enough people to fill a trip, JNF-USA will connect you with other congregations traveling at the same time and the trips can be combined. JNF-USA is also offering three synagogue missions of its own that people can join. • For a full list of requirements, visit jnf.org/congregationaltours. Gather your community and come home to Israel for the trip of a lifetime. For more information about the subsidy or to plan a trip, call 877-563-8687 or email travel@jnf.org.
FIDF Miami supporters rally around defenders of Israel
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iami, Florida (March 9, 2022) – Attacks against freedom, such as the crisis in Ukraine and antisemitic violence in Europe and the United States, are a stark reminder of the vital importance of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers’ mission to defend the Jewish homeland – a safe haven for Jews around the world. Friends of the IDF (FIDF) supporters in Miami came out in droves last Thursday to show support for the troops who are responsible for the safety, and very existence, of Israel. FIDF Greater Miami Chapter held a Solidarity Gala at The Diplomat Hollywood Beach Resort, which drew some 850 leaders from the Greater Miami area to hear from important members of the IDF. Funds raised will be distributed toward well-being and educational programs dedicated to initiatives for soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Three active-duty IDF soldiers attended the event, including Major
Ofir, who serves as the Company Commander for officers professional training in the IDF Search and Rescue unit. Major Ofir is a “Chief of Staff’s Excellency Award” recipient and was part of the elite Israeli delegation that volunteered during the Surfside search and rescue mission. Throughout the mission, FIDF representatives and volunteers stepped up and provided critical support to Major Ofir and the IDF Search and Rescue Unit, including new rescue equipment, kosher food and more. FIDF provided the unit with the warm care of extended family while they were far from home. “Whether in Israel or abroad, we are proud to provide support during the most difficult humanitarian crises,” said Major Ofir. “Working with the local rescue forces in Surfside was an incredible experience because we got to connect with one another and learn from one another. We experienced this tragedy together and we
Dina Benari, FIDF VP Southern Region, FIDF CEO Steven Weil, Mayor Gabriel Groisman, Bal Harbour, FL, Maj. Ofir, Capt. Dean, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Dade County, Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan, FIDF National Director, Col. Ziv Nimni, Attache, Washington, D.C, Lt. Yossi. (Photo credit: Erez Kashi, courtesy of FIDF)
are thankful to the FIDF for caring for us during our stay.” Capt. Dean is an Israeli Naval Academy graduate who served aboard a naval mission which involved the installation of a Naval Dome – the Navy’s counterpart to Israel’s Iron Dome Defense System. During Operation Guardian of the Walls, Dean’s mission was to protect the gas rigs off the shore of Ashkelon, which provide approximately 70% of Israel’s electricity consumption. Lt. Yossi is another active-duty soldier who faced some tough challenges while growing up, including a bout with drugs, alcohol and multiple arrests. The young soldier was able to turn his life around after enlisting in the IDF, where he eventually became a combat soldier. After completing his basic training, Yossi was chosen as the most outstanding soldier in the company. He continued to excel and win awards, landing him an opportunity to attend the prestigious Officer’s Academy. Today, Yossi proudly serves as the
Vice Company Commander in Rotem Unit of The Givati Brigade. Community leaders and FIDF supporters Joelle and Joseph Hanono cochaired the gala. Miami Chapter Pillar Oren Kattan was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award, while Marcel Calef, a fellow Miami Chapter Pillar, was presented with the Commitment to Education Award. “We were so honored and excited to bring Miami’s pro-Israel community together for this inspiring event, giving our supporters the opportunity to hear directly from, and to thank, the brave soldiers who protect Israel – and Jews, worldwide, said Nicole Krassner, FIDF Greater Miami Chapter Director. “It gave the community a chance to provide for them through FIDF’s well-being and educational programs, which have a tremendous impact on, not only the lives on these young heroes, but all of Israeli society.”
Maj. Ofir, Capt. Dean, Dina Benari, FIDF VP Southern Region, Lt. Yossi, Nicole Krassner, Director FIDF Miami Chapter, Sam Moshe, President Miami Chapter, Major General (Res.) Nadav Padan, FIDF National Director, Col. Niv Nimni, IDF Attache Washington, DC.
