B'Yachad Fall 2017 by Jewish National Fund

Fall 2017 B’Yachad: The Newsletter of Jewish National Fund

jnf.org

Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Leaders

Together Fall 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 03

We hope you enjoy this issue. Send your feedback to newsletter@jnf.org.

Welcoming Dr. Sol Lizerbram, Jewish National Fund’s New National President In his first message as Jewish National Fund President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram lays out his vision for continuing JNF’s One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade campaign, and what is needed to build a safe and strong Israel.

- B’Yachad Editorial Staff

B’ YACHAD STAFF PUBLISHER

Russell F. Robinson EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Jodi Bodner

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jerusalem’s reunification celebrations were unforgettable. Now we’re looking ahead to Spring 2018 when Israel will mark its 70th birthday. See what Jewish National Fund’s Travel & Tours has in store to celebrate the Jewish State’s platinum anniversary and RSVP for your unique experience early.

Daniel Peri MANAGING EDITOR

Adam H. Brill ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Marina Brodetsky CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Morris ART DIRECTORS

Breyanna Knoll Gaby Garuz

The Power of Education

A Faculty Fellow’s Life-Changing Experience

DIGITAL PRODUCTION

Greg Weber

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. Today, JNF continues to give all generations a unique voice in building and ensuring the prosperity of the land of Israel through their generosity and partnership with the people of Israel. JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism. JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers. For more information on JNF, call 800.JNF.0099 or visit jnf.org.

Printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink

Celebrate Israel @ 70 with JNF for the Biggest Birthday Bash

Jewish National Fund is the leader in providing Israel and Zionist education, offering programs spanning birth to boardroom. Read more about what we are doing in the U.S. and Israel that continues to strengthen the next generation’s Zionist spirit and connection to the Jewish homeland.

Read about Faculty Fellowship Program in Israel alum Professor Wolfgang Christian’s experience, and how his participation on the trip resulted in collaborative projects and textbook co-authorship with Israeli academics.

What you’ve been missing on IsraelCast! IsraelCast, JNF’s premier podcast, launched this past May to great success. We have welcomed fascinating figures, from Congressional aide Tremayne B. Smith, who shared his life-changing experience on Caravan for Democracy, to chef and world-renowned spice master, Lior Lev Sercarz, who talked about Israel’s booming culinary culture and shared his plans for a culinary institute in the Galilee. We have many more intriguing guests lined up, so subscribe and make sure you don’t miss another episode! Get IsraelCast on iTunes or listen on jnf.org/israelcast. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to rate and review us. Happy listening!

Water Update

The Dream and The Work Continue

By Marc Kelman

A Message from our President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram

WATER IS THE essence of life, and I know of no

organization more dedicated to leading the way in finding water solutions in an ever-increasing, droughtstricken world than Jewish National Fund. That is why I am honored to serve as the new Chair of JNF’s National Water Task Force. I would like to thank my friend and past Task Force Chair Mort Mower for his years of leadership. It is because of Mort’s insight and knowledge that Israel’s future in water technology and initiatives continues to move forward. As a resident of water-scarce Phoenix, AZ, I am all too aware of the immense importance and value of water security. Throughout the years that I have been involved with Jewish National Fund, I have seen no other Jewish, Zionist nonprofit organization impact the daily lives of every Israeli citizen in more ways than JNF. Water is one of them. Water is life and the crucial basis for existence anywhere—especially in a desert country like Israel. With JNF’s support, Israel has transformed its water adversity into an opportunity, and has become a world water leader. But it is also true that our tiny Jewish state still faces water challenges. Located in the Middle East, Israel has to make sure it will always be water secure and self-sufficient in the face of climate change and drought, geopolitical and hydro-political flare-ups, and because there are still large areas of the country that are not connected to the national water grid. Irrigation in the Arava But where there’s a challenge, Jewish National Fund has stepped in: our supporters have answered the call and in the last three years JNF’s water campaign has grown exponentially. JNF is constantly working on new and innovative projects to help secure a water abundant future for the land and people of Israel. Some developments include: the Halutza Drilling project, which aims to assist the Negev Desert community find a cheaper, local source of water for its agricultural needs; the Arava Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will recycle wastewater from six kibbutzim in the Arava desert for irrigation use; the prestigious annual Stockholm Junior Water Competition to encourage young Israeli students to discover new and creative ways to improve water development; and many more. Plans for our National Water Task Force’s 2018 campaign are underway and will include long and short term strategies, as well as the exploration for and development of new water sources to support communities in the south. I encourage you to join Jewish National Fund’s National Water Task Force and be part of this visionary campaign. I also invite you to join us on our H2O Water Tour, November 29 – December 6, 2017, and see for yourself how Israel has become a world water leader. For more information on the 2017 H2O Water Tour or to register, please visit jnf.org/israelh2o.

Marc Kelman is the incoming Chair of JNF’s National Water Task Force. To learn more or to join the task force, please contact Talia Tzour Avner at ttzour@jnf.org.

THIS COLUMN MARKS my first as President of Jewish National Fund, having been elected this summer by my colleagues on the National Board of Directors. Without question, this is one of the key roles in Jewish philanthropy, and I am deeply humbled and honored to step into the shoes of the many leaders who have come before me. My best wishes go out to Jeff Levine, his wife Randi, and their loving family, as he moves from the role of president to Chairman of the Board. During his time in office, he introduced the One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade and the revolutionary $100 million JNF Boruchin Israel Education and Advocacy Center. These initiatives serve as game changers in our work and what we accomplish every day for the Jewish people everywhere and for the land and people of Israel. On my recent trip to Israel during the 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission, I met with hundreds of individuals who carry out our important work, countless beneficiaries your support impacts, and many community leaders, mayors, government ministers, and the president and prime minister themselves—all who deeply appreciate and recognize that without Jewish National Fund and your contributions, Israel would not be the country that it is today. When I began my involvement with JNF 35 years ago, never did I imagine sitting and discussing our homeland’s past, present, and future with its key influencers and decision makers. It all began after I graduated medical school and moved from Philadelphia to California with my wife, Lauren. Not long after settling in San Diego, I was invited to serve on our local JNF board and later as its president, eventually joining the national board two decades ago. Lauren has been my co-partner through it all and also served as our board president and will now have a national role as a presidential advisor. Like many of you, we view JNF and its donors as extended family, one that has drawn us closer to Israel and to Jews across the Diaspora. Like any family, we have our differences and challenges. I know that there will be times when the politics of Israel will charge us emotionally. I know there will be times when it faces unfair criticism. I also know that it is up to us to draw on our common bond—of building a stronger, better, more secure Israel. That is what unites us and what differentiates Jewish National Fund. We build. In this issue of B’Yachad, we focus on education and the lifelong continuous connection to Israel that our work delivers. JNF’s U.S. school programs reach more than 20,000 K-8 students annually. We offer one of the finest study abroad programs in the world at the Alexander Muss High School in Israel. And, with a growing anti-Zionist sentiment on campuses across the country, it is our multi-faceted programming that offers the counterpunch to those who seek to destroy us. It is thanks to the foresight of the leaders who came before me that today we invest so much into our young people, helping to develop, maintain, and connect them to their history, culture, and Israel. We foster excellence, inspire our young to serve as leaders, and share Positively Israel messaging that focuses on the global humanitarian impact Israel has on its neighbors and the world. It is this work that compels me personally, and that I find so necessary to relay to you. I look forward to getting to know you better in the years ahead. Please connect with me at slizerbram@jnf.org.

Jewish National Fund

B'Yachad

Campaign Update Bruce K. Gould Vice President, Campaign/President-Elect I AM HONORED to have the opportunity

to serve Jewish National Fund as the new Vice President of Campaign and President-Elect. I want to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate my dear friend and predecessor Ken Segel, who in his three-year tenure as VP of Campaign helped JNF raise in excess of $300 million toward our visionary One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade campaign. I look forward to carrying on the torch and examples set by Ken and the many other great campaign leaders this fine organization has known. This issue of B’Yachad focuses on JNF’s various education initiatives, many of which connect our children to Israel. Jewish National Fund is there from the time a tree is planted in honor of their birth, through their high school years as they study at Alexander Muss High School in Israel, then further deepening their love for our Jewish homeland while in college. The journey continues as young adults enter the workforce and into leadership roles with JNF as part of JNFuture. I can tell you that Jewish National Fund does an exceptional job, because I have firsthand experience. I am a product of JNF’s young leadership development program, and it is through such platforms that I now have the opportunity to lead the fundraising campaign of one of the nation’s largest Jewish nonprofit organizations. My passion for Israel and the Jewish people was instilled in me by the examples set by my parents, and then it was Jewish National Fund that showed me how I could become an impact philanthropist, even at a young age, and play a part in building our homeland. JNF’s many education initiatives—in the U.S. and Israel— are focused on instilling pride in our children and fostering a love for the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Our mission is to develop leaders to strengthen our community, to teach the importance of tzedakah, and to nurture a loving society. Through our One Billion Dollar Roadmap, more than $250 million will be invested in our children, teens, and young adults to develop the leaders of tomorrow to bear the torch of the Jewish people for many years to come. Your annual commitment to Jewish National Fund is an investment in the future of the Jewish people and the land of Israel. To get involved, contact Bruce Gould at bgould@jnf.org. 04

B'Yachad

Jewish National Fund

Campaign All-Star: Andy Klein ALTRUISTIC,

a true mensch; these are some adjectives to describe Jewish National Fund’s Campaign All-Star, Andy Klein. “In the 26 years I’ve worked with Andy, not a day has gone by that he has not called to inquire about, and subsequently inspire me about our campaign numbers,” said National Campaign Director Diane Scar. A staunch advocate of JNF’s vision, Klein often recalls his early visits to Israel with his family, with one memorable visit when his mother brought a 10-pound salami with her, “just in case there was not enough food in Israel.” Today, Klein is the president of Klein’s ShopRite Supermarkets in Maryland and laughs when recalling the moment, as he and his wife, Jayne, have traveled to Israel on JNF’s Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour and witnessed the incredible agricultural transformation that Israel has undergone. Klein’s passion for Israel is evident through his tireless efforts, nationally and locally. He has generously given his time over the last 20 years analyzing JNF’s Mid-Atlantic region’s campaigns, holding strategy sessions, and pushing to reach new goals. Klein has said that he motivates JNF donors by reminding them of Israel’s founding visionary leaders—such as Golda Meir, David Ben Gurion, and Theodor Herzl—and persuading them that their work must continue. “We can always count on Andy to drive our region forward,” said JNF MidAtlantic Director Stuart Diamant-Cohen. If a donor or prospect does not answer his call, Klein simply says, “I keep calling them until they do.” Klein and his family were the first lead gift for JNF’s first water reservoir in the 1990s, and on every visit to Israel since, he selects a new project for funding. “Andy’s energy, passion, and relentless pursuit of gifts and contacts is a tribute to the legacy and values his parents instilled in him. His motto is “a day without tzedakah is a wasted day,” said Scar. When not working, Klein tutors b’nai mitzvah students, volunteers with his wife to help the less fortunate, and attends the board meetings of another community-based organization he PHILANTHROPIC, AND

proudly supports. Said Scar: “Andy has shown all of us how to make each day valuable and rewarding, and how what we do today is for our children. He strongly believes it is every person’s responsibility to put back into this world at least double what he takes. It is these principles, his commitment to Israel, and his ‘go-getter’ attitude that make Andy our Campaign All-Star.”

Return to Your Roots Remember the past. Celebrate the present. Ensure the future. Plant a tree in Israel for births, birthdays, b’nai mitzvahs, anniversaries, and lasting legacies.

jnf.org/trees ∙ 800.542.TREE (8733)

PLANNED GIVING

Support Your Future & Israel’s With Appreciated Stocks or Mutual Funds By Matt Bernstein, CFP, JNF Chief Planned Giving Officer THE STOCK MARKET has

more than tripled since 2009, and even reached multiple new highs since the 2016 elections. If you’re an investor in common stocks, chances are you’re feeling pretty good right now, but it’s also a good time to look at the other side of this phenomenon. This column isn’t about predicting stock market moves, but to let you know you have options if you’re looking to lock in your stock market gains, avoid taxes, and earn some income. Supporting Jewish National Fund with a contribution of appreciated stocks or mutual funds is a great option to explore. In fact, there are a number of benefits that make this type of contribution attractive.

Benefits of giving appreciated stocks and mutual funds include: · Avoid capital gains taxes up to 23.8% · Receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of your stocks the day JNF receives them · Capture the appreciated value of your stocks and end the worry of market ups and downs Your gift will also be vital in supporting the land and people of Israel through JNF’s many projects and programs. You can also fund a Charitable Gift Annuity with appreciated stocks or mutual funds. It’s a simple process our Planned Giving Department can assist with. As many of our donors know, JNF runs one of the most successful Charitable Gift Annuity programs in the country. We offer very competitive annuity rates and our donors enjoy the stability of receiving a steady income with the knowledge

that their support of Israel goes undiminished. How does this work? A JNF Charitable Gift Annuity is a simple agreement that offers donors a lifetime of income in exchange for their gift. In addition, there are valuable tax advantages such as tax-free income, an income tax deduction, and the avoidance of lump sum capital gains taxes if the donation is made with long-term appreciated stocks or mutual funds. Our annuities can be structured to cover one or two individuals, and can even be designed to act as a supplemental retirement plan by deferring income for a number of years. Here is a sampling of the single life annuity rates we currently offer: Age 65 - 5.5%; Age 70 - 5.8%; Age 75 6.4%; Age 80 - 7.2%; Age 85 - 8.1%; Age 90+ - 9.5%. To receive information on how to donate appreciated stocks or mutual funds, or to receive a detailed illustration on how a JNF Charitable Gift Annuity might benefit you, please call 800.562.7526 or email plannedgiving@jnf.org.

Goldie Keehn—Leaving a Living Legacy in Israel her legacy lived on through a means she was most A LOVER OF nature and the land of Israel, Goldie Keehn of passionate about,” said Philip Keehn, Goldie’s brother Shelburne Falls, MA enjoyed spending time outdoors and the executor of her estate. and frequently purchased and planted trees in Israel “Goldie was a free spirit who loved nature and through Jewish National Fund. Goldie was only ninegreenery,” said Dr. Aryeh Keehn, Goldie’s nephew who lives months-old when her mother died, and she was raised in Beit Shemesh. “She studied in Israel in the 1970s and was by her beloved Aunt Frances (Fanny) K. Coblentz, who very devoted to her family and also to the state of Israel.” immigrated to New York City from what is now Gdansk, The dedication Poland in 1921. Fanny ceremony was opened became a well-respected by Dr. Keehn’s wife, teacher, a profession that Arlene, who said, “Goldie Goldie also pursued as an donated a forest of adult. trees in honor of her The youngest of Aunt Fanny; trees that the family’s children, help make the area Goldie formed a special around Be’er Sheva connection to Fanny green. We are very and remained eternally grateful to her for her gift grateful for what she did and to JNF for carrying for her as a child. out this meaningful Following her passing project.” After she spoke, in 2014, Goldie’s family Dr. Keehn shared some carried out her wishes recollections of holidays by bequeathing a forest The Keehn and Coblentz families at the dedication the family had spent in Israel in memory of together, and of how all the nieces and nephews always her cherished Aunt Fanny. In May 2017, a forest was looked forward to Goldie’s visits to Israel. dedicated in memory of Frances K. Coblentz near To the Keehn family, there’s no greater way of Be’er Sheva. The ceremony took place at JNF’s Donor honoring Goldie’s legacy than planting trees that will Recognition Center in American Independence Park in green Israel for generations to come. Jerusalem and was attended by Goldie’s family in Israel and from the U.S. “Goldie was keenly aware of how much Fanny loved To leave your legacy and read other stories of people who have left their Israel and tree planting, and wanted to ensure that estates to JNF, visit jnflegacy.org or call 800.562.7526.

IRA Charitable Rollover Permanently Extended Support Jewish National Fund in a simple and easy way If you are over age 70 ½, you can rollover up to $100,000 from your IRA to JNF. ··To qualify, transfer must go directly from your IRA to JNF ··Gifts made from your IRA (up to $100,000 per year) are not reportable as taxable income ··The gift cannot be used for any income producing Planned Gifts ··The gift will qualify for your required minimum distribution

Contact our Planned Giving Specialists today at 800.562.7526 or visit jnflegacy.org to learn more! Planned Giving

B'Yachad

FOOD & WINE

El Marsa: Elevating Arabic Cuisine on Akko’s Historic Waterfront STEP INTO EL Marsa

restaurant, and you instantly become witness to the latest movement in Arabic cuisine in Israel. “Just because something is traditional doesn’t mean it can’t be experimented with, elevated, and displayed in an elegant manner,” said Chef Alaa Moussa, who is part owner of this popular seafood establishment located along Akko’s Old City waterfront. And Chef Moussa does exactly that with his delectable dishes, capturing exquisitely fresh flavors typically missing from Arabic cuisine in Israel, but found in abundance in local Mediterranean waters. It’s not difficult to understand how he gained his culinary skills and insights once his past experiences are revealed. Starting off as a cook in Akko’s famous Uri Buri fish restaurant, he moved to Sweden and continued to study and work under several Michelin-rated star chefs, absorbing their techniques and skills. There is also the unshakable influence of his mother’s home cooking. When he returned to Israel, Chef Moussa and his business partner, Marwan Su’ad, opened El Marsa in a beautifully renovated 13th century building. In the restaurant, diners can enjoy dishes such as the namesake El Marsa Salad, a refreshing combination of cherry tomatoes and Champignon mushrooms tossed in a dressing of olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, topped with locally sourced cheese and nuts. The dish is simple, yet divine, and just one example of an unexpected twist on a typical Israeli salad. Boutique Galilean wines from local vineyards are available to pair with meals to enhance the dining experience. With perseverance and great effort, El Marsa has not only become a well-known restaurant in Israel, but also a source of pride for local residents. Sampling the many delights on Chef Moussa’s specialized menu, while looking out at the lights reflecting off the waterfront, it’s easy to understand exactly why. For more information on El Marsa, please visit http://bit.ly/2t9k093 (Facebook) or 2eat.co.il/eng/elmarsa. Restaurant is not kosher.

Chef Alaa Moussa’s Sea Bass Fillet on a Bed of Lemon-Verbena Freekeh Serves 4

Photos by Haim Yosef

INGREDIENTS

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

5 ½ cups vegetable stock, unsalted 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 ½ teaspoons cumin 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper 1 tablespoon harissa* 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (separated into 1 and 3 tablespoons) 1 lb. coarse freekeh** 2 onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 3-4 bunches wild chicory or baby spinach, washed and steamed 2 lbs. sea bass fillet (or any other white fish filet) Juice of 2 lemons 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1-2 wedges of pickled lemon 2 cloves garlic, crushed

*Harissa is a Moroccan hot chili pepper paste. **Freekeh is durum wheat commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Both harissa and freekeh can be found in Middle Eastern markets and online grocers. INSTRUCTIONS

Preparation of freekeh & spinach or wild chicory 1. Fill a deep pot with vegetable stock, add all spices and the harissa and bring to a boil. 2. In a separate large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of

B'Yachad

Food & Wine

vegetable oil on medium-high heat. 3. Add the freekeh, chopped onion, and parsley, and stir and cook until the onion softens. 4. Pour the boiling liquid from the other pot over the freekeh. Then stir, cover with a lid, reduce the heat to a low simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. 5. Turn off heat and leave the pot covered for an additional 15 minutes. 6. Lightly steam washed wild chicory or baby spinach in a steamer. Set aside to cool. Preparation of the fish 1. Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet and sear the fish on a medium-high flame, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until skin is crisp and pulls away from the pan easily. 2. Flip the fish over and sear for an additional 2 minutes, or until it is cooked through. 3. Turn off heat, remove the fish, and set it aside. SERVING

1. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the freekeh mixture in a deep serving bowl. 2. Add the steamed, cooked chicory or baby spinach to the freekeh and mix well. 3. Add the lemon juice and olive oil to taste. 4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of freekeh. 5. Serve with the fish filet on top of the freekeh, garnish with a wedge of pickled lemon.

TRAVEL & TOURS

Celebrate Israel @ 70 with Jewish National Fund This past May, Jewish National Fund marked the 50 th anniversary of Jerusalem’s reunification with an unforgettable mission celebrating the City of Gold. In the Spring of 2018, Israel will mark her 70th birthday, and Jewish National Fund will celebrate the Jewish State’s platinum anniversary in style. Choose from one of four unique experiences, and immerse yourself in the rich, cultural festivities marking 70 years of Israel’s independence. After all, no one knows Israel better than Jewish National Fund.

Spirit of Israel

President’s Society

April 12 – 19, 2018

April 15 – 19, 2018 (Optional pre-mission: April 12 – 15)

··Perfect for first-time and repeat visitors alike. ··Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors that Israel is known for all over the world. ··See firsthand how JNF is transforming the country through various groundbreaking initiatives in the northern and southern regions.

··An exclusive opportunity for JNF Major Donors* that includes luxury accommodations and fine dining at Israel’s top rated hotels and restaurants. ··Witness the transformation of the Galilee thanks to JNF’s accomplishments through its Go North initiative. ··Arrive earlier during the optional pre-mission to explore the sights and tastes of Israel.

Positively Israel: Interfaith April 12 – 19, 2018

Young Leadership

··Discover the diverse cultures, communities, and religions that were born in Israel and coexist today. ··Explore fascinating historical sites in the north such as the one-of-a-kind Baha’i Gardens, breathtaking grottoes at Rosh Hanikra, and former Crusader cities such as Caesarea and Akko. ··Savor authentic, multi-ethnic cuisine and dine with Israelis from all walks of life.

April 12 – 19, 2018 ··See a different side of Israel with other young professionals ages 25-40; Subsidy opportunities are available with a minimum gift requirement. ··Explore the developing Negev region, Tel Aviv’s exciting cultural and culinary scene, and Jerusalem’s mosaic of ancient historical sites. ··Meet young, dynamic Israeli community leaders.

Available on all experiences: trips can be extended with optional package from April 19 – 22 * Minimum gift required

RSVP today for the best birthday bash you’ll ever experience To learn more about traveling to Israel on JNF’s Israel @ 70 Tour, contact our Travel & Tours department at 877.JNF.TOUR (877.563.8687), email travel@jnf.org, or visit jnf.org/travel

Travel & Tours

B'Yachad

WOMEN FOR ISRAEL

Women Empowering Each Other to Strengthen Israel My Path from JNFuture to Women for Israel By Maia Aron I HAVE ALWAYS attributed my love of Israel to my grandfather and his legacy as a model Zionist pioneer. But I would be remiss if I did not mention the other great influence in my life: female empowerment through Jewish National Fund’s Women for Israel (WFI) and its incredible ability to create positive change in Israel. Everyone has heard the saying that “behind every great man there is a great woman,” but I think otherwise. In Israel and in the U.S., many times it is women leading the way, and it is the great men who follow. After two invigorating years as president of JNFuture Miami, the next step was clear and logical—to start Miami’s very own Women for Israel chapter. My decision to pursue this path was influenced in several ways. As women, we have the power to make a difference, and what better way is there than working together, arm in arm, with women who share the same values,

ideals, and love for Israel and our people? JNF empowers a community of like-minded women, and it is through them that I find constant renewed purpose in supporting the land and people of Israel.

As women, we have the power to make a difference, and what better way is there than working together, arm in arm, with women who share the same values, ideals, and love for Israel and our people? My many visits to Israel on JNF’s missions also had a profound impact on me. It was while visiting various JNF sites that I witnessed how JNF women are leaders in fundraising for JNF’s work in Israel; many of them designed to directly benefit Israeli women. It was because of the bold vision of JNF women that Zuqim, an artists’ colony in the Arava desert, was

Nina Paul & Maia Aron

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Women for Israel

founded where there was once only sand. In May 2017, I stood proud as JNF inaugurated a new health center in Halutza, a community near the Egyptian and Gaza borders, so that young mothers can take their children for quality healthcare. The new JNF Western Galilee Tourist Information Center in Akko is driving up the number of customers visiting women-owned businesses. There are countless more successes, from north to south, thanks to JNF and the women behind WFI. Above all, there is a proud woman who has inspired me most of all to take on the challenge of starting WFI’s Miami chapter: Nina Paul. Nina is the national president of WFI. We first met while I was in Israel on the JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission in 2016. Nina and I bonded instantly because of our shared love for Israel, our go-getter personalities, and because we are both women who seek to lift up and empower other women. To give you an idea of the type of mentor Nina is and her devotion to others, she traveled from her home in Cincinnati to Miami last year just to see me get re-inaugurated as president of JNFuture Miami. It meant the world to me seeing her there. Without Nina showing me the way, I would not be equipped to illuminate the path forward for other women. Thank you, Nina. So whether you are single, married, divorced, widowed, a young or established professional, a homemaker, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a daughter, a lawyer, an accountant, a doctor, a nurse, an engineer, an artist ... join us! You have strength, you have a voice, and Women for Israel needs your leadership. We women are resilient, diverse, and more importantly, vital in ensuring a strong Israel. I’m proud to be part of this growing movement of go-getters. Join me in empowering JNF to empower women.

Maia Aron is a commercial litigator at Kozyak Tropin Throckmorton in Miami, FL, and the incoming president of the Miami WFI chapter. To get involved in Women for Israel, please contact Sharon David at sdavid@jnf.org or at 212.879.9305 x242.

JNFUTURE

JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission Creates New Leaders A Life-Changing Mission for Those Committed to Israel's Future By Alana Gerson and Josh Goodkin “WELCOME,” OR BRUCHIM habaim. It’s the first greeting the hundreds of travelers entering Israel daily through Ben Gurion Airport hear. But for 27 JNFuture members this past July, the words carried extra meaning, as this wasn’t just another trip to Israel; this was a mission, one that opened their eyes to the many Jewish National Fund projects and partners changing Israel’s landscape. This was a mission, to quite literally empower the next generation of JNF leaders and Zionists. This was the JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission (JLIM). Now in its seventh year, JLIM, a program funded by Dr. Toby Mower, targets members of JNFuture who are committed future leaders in their local chapters. The success of JNFuture is staggering: it is JNF’s fastestgrowing group targeting Jewish millennials, ages 22-40, with over 20 chapters across the U.S. and 850 members (and counting). It’s shaping a new generation of Zionists connected to the land and people of Israel through educational and social events, both locally and nationally. To cultivate this passion and to further strengthen leadership, a one-week mission to Israel was born: JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission.

Each year, JNFuture members are nominated, interviewed, and selected for JLIM. Once nominees and the mission itinerary are chosen, meaningful assignments are developed and assigned to deepen participants’

had that “aha” moment, but the mission is constructed to facilitate character-building and has several components. One is that leadership sometimes involves making tough decisions. This was exemplified in Halutza, a JNF-built community near the Egyptian and Gaza borders. This group of pioneers chose to develop a small portion of the Negev in one of the most dangerous parts of Israel, yet these courageous men and women have built thriving towns in a short period of time. We witnessed JNF’s positive impact and what combined leadership in the U.S. and Israel can accomplish. Another central aspect to JLIM is that a leader must understand where they've come from to know where they are going. JNF heritage sites like the Atlit Detention Camp— the British controlled detention camp that held thousands of Jews “illegally” immigrating to Palestine—are preserved for future generations so that we can continue to build a connection to our Jewish and Zionist history. JNF is a strong believer in leaving no member of Israeli society behind, and we witnessed this by meeting IDF soldiers with special needs in a one-of-a kind program, JNF's Special in Uniform. This partnership has transformed the lives of this group of people who wish to serve their country, as well as the lives of their families. The visit visibly impacted many JLIM participants who shed tears of pride, and as we left our brave soldiers each of us received a replica Special in Uniform tag. It was clear that for many this experience would forever connect them with JNF and the people of Israel. During six previous summers, JLIM participants from around the U.S. gathered for a life-changing experience with two things in common—a passion for Israel and the development of leadership skills. On this seventh mission, we shared a meaningful leadership journey, and left our homeland as a family. We experienced Israel together through a different lens, with laughter, tears, and stories. Each JLIM participant is now part of the Jewish National Fund family, a donor, and has a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work JNF does for the land and people of Israel.

“JLIM participants from around the U.S. gathered for a life-changing experience with two things in common—a passion for Israel and the development of leadership skills.“ understanding of JNF and what it means to be a leader. As part of the pre-mission planning, and as this year's cochairs, we arranged to have Alon Ben Gurion—grandson of David Ben Gurion—address our group on a conference call. His inspiring words were the perfect kick-off to what was about to be a life-changing week. On July 23, we embarked on a journey following in the footsteps of six previous JLIM missions. Over seven days, 27 emerging leaders had the opportunity to listen, learn, and ask questions from JNF partners and Israeli leaders who are changing the land of Israel today. It’s difficult to pinpoint when each participant 2017 JLIM group in Halutza

Josh Goodkin and Alana Gerson co-chaired JNF’s 2017 JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission to Israel. To learn more about JNFuture, please contact Anne Tishkoff at atishkoff@jnf.org or call 212.879.9305 x297. JNFuture

B'Yachad

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND

ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR INFO ON UPCOMING JNF EVENTS, VISIT JNF.ORG AND CLICK ON “JNF IN YOUR AREA”

SOUTHERN

(L-R) JNF Chief Development Officer Rick Krosnick, Dr. Judi Edelman, and Bob Deutsch at JNF’s Summer Soiree at the Asheville Country Club in Asheville.

(L-R) Daniel Heller with Lisa Lebovitz, Steven Prager, Jay Heller, and JNFuture Campaign Executive Arielle Levy at a JNFuture event for Project Baseball in Atlanta.

(L-R back row) Aaron Hellman, Clara Franklin, Rebecca Levy, Lisa Samuels, Ellie PellmanIsaacs, Kiki Isaacson, and Rachel Rochman. (L-R front row) Hannah Lapin, JNFuture Campaign Executive Arielle Levy, Jessica Levy, and Marc Cooper at JNFuture’s Shabbat in the Park in Austin.

(L-R) JNFuture Austin leaders Rebecca Levy, Jessica Levy, Aaron Hellman, and Liel Navon at CAA’s Kosher Chili Cook-Off in Austin.

(L-R) Helen Taffet with Wendy Light and Barbara Kaplan at JNF’s Women for Israel (WFI) Independence Day Celebration at the Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta.

MIDWEST

(L-R) Alon Ben Gurion, Scott Gendell, and Ted Koenig at a Corporate Advisory Board luncheon in Chicago.

(L-R) Todd Schachtman and Arava Institute researcher Suleiman Halasah at a meeting in Minneapolis.

(L-R) JNF Southern Ohio and Kentucky Director Eric Goldstein, Board President Jan Armstrong Cobb, Morry Wiener, Velma Mitchell, and Randy Miller at JNF’s Cincinnati Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) Dr. Howard Freedberg, Lori Komisar, and Guest Speaker Rabbi Joseph Telushkin at JNF’s Chicago Breakfast for Israel.

10.

(L-R) Diane Weber, Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn, and Alan Weber at JNF’s Cincinnati Breakfast for Israel.

11.

(L-R back row) Ann Margolis, Guest Speaker Alon Ben Gurion, and Dr. David Margolis. (L-R front row) AJ Strauss, Jody Margolis and Melissa Margolis during a parlor meeting in Milwaukee.

(L-R) Rochelle Marks, Susie Kopit, Lisa Vinocur, and Cheryl Fuller at the Women for Israel 8. (L-R) Zvi Fraser, Karen Schapiro, Guest Speaker Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, and Sue Strait at 12. Matt Levy and his friends play a whiﬄe ball tournament in Golden Valley, MN. Matt raised (WFI) Game Day in Cleveland. the Wisconsin Community Breakfast in Milwaukee. and donated money for JNF’s Project: Baseball for his bar mitzvah project. 4. (L-R) Event Chairs Penny Greenberger, Lori Raichilson, Loren Frieder, and Tamar Brosse 9. (L-R) Vice President of Israel Relations Committee Kenneth Segel, Event Co-Chairs Cheryl 13. (L-R) Board Members Dr. Bradley and Marcy Robbins, with Laurel Fairworth and Brian at the WFI Game Day in Cleveland. Banks and Helene Herbstman, and Guest Speaker Rabbi Joseph Telushkin at JNF’s Chicago Robbins at a documentary screening in Cleveland. 5. (L-R) Beverly Wisotsky, Executive Vice-Chairwoman of the Society for Preservation of Israel Breakfast for Israel. 14. (L-R) Cliff, Matt, and Stacy Levy at a whiﬄe ball tournament Matt organized as his bar Heritage Sites Noa Gefen, Andrea Kravetz Katz, National WFI Chair Nina Paul, and Merrie mitzvah project in Golden Valley, MN. Stillpass at a WFI parlor meeting in Cincinnati. 3.

B'Yachad

Across the Country

MID-ATLANTIC

(L-R) Bob Chertkof and Chief Sustainability Officer at Natafi m Naty Barak at a JNF Lawyers for Israel (LFI) presentation in Baltimore.

Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour Chair Jeff Menick prepares a farm to table meal in Israel on JNF’s Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour.

Sheldon Sacks and Adrienne Rulnick at an LFI event in Washington, D.C.

Jill Gansler with Ira Malis at a Major Donor Event hosted by Ira and Shelly Malis in Pikesville.

(L-R) Ken Krupsky, Baruch Fellner, and Howard Hogan at a Major Donor Thank You Reception in Washington, D.C.

(L-R) Washington, D.C. JNFuture Chair Steve Postal with Baltimore JNFuture Chair Nicole Talor and JNF Senior Campaign Executive Julie Silverstein at JNF’s Washington, D.C. Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) David Margules, JNF Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Stuart Diamant-Cohen, Delaware Board President Joel Friedlander, and JNF Task Force on Disabilities Director Yossi Kahana at a luncheon in Wilmington.

Emily and Dr. Michael Blicher at JNF’s Washington, D.C. Breakfast for Israel.

Hal and Susan Jackerman during a visit to a JNF reservoir near Sderot in Israel.

10.

(L-R) Baltimore Women for Israel (WFI) Members Debbie Spector and Susie Levine at a WFI event in Baltimore.

11.

(L-R) Melanie Moreno, Marsha Liss, and Leonard Miller at a meeting on JNF’s water innovations in Washington, D.C.

12.

(L-R) JNF Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Stuart Diamant-Cohen, Guest Speaker Brigadier General Bentzi Gruber, and Baltimore LFI Co-Chair Leon Berg at a LFI event in Baltimore.

NEW ENGLAND

(L-R) Dubi Gordon, Guest Speaker Alon Ben Gurion, and Boston President Jeff rey Woolf at 5. (L-R) JNF New England Executive Director Sara Hefez, Capital Region Board of Directors a Board of Trustees meeting in Boston. Member Karen Lobel, and Dorothy Ganz at JNF’s Capital Region Breakfast in Albany.

(L -R) JNFuture Campaign Executive Gali Gordon with 2017-2018 Massachusetts AMHSIJNF Greater Boston Impact Fellows. Netta Shpinner, Jessica Giordano, Boston Board of Directors Member Isaac Edry, Jacob Burger, Ruby Russell, and AMHSI Director of Admissions Dana Gerbie Klein at a Major Donor Thank You event in Boston.

(L-R) JNFuture Boston Chair Nicole Litvak and Gali Gordon at Jewish Heritage Night at Fenway Park in Boston.

Gali Gordon with students from Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham.

(L-R back row) JNF-KKL Emissary Rami Hazan, Gali Gordon, and AMHSI Director of Admissions Dana Gerbie Klein. (L-R front row) Boston President Emeritus Jeff rey and Mary Woolf, JNF New England Executive Director Sara Hefez, Suzanne Cohen, and Chairman of the Board Larry Cohen honoring the Aronson family at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton.

Caravan for Democracy alumni at Yale University visit 2013 Miss Israel Titi Aynaw.

(L-R) Brandon Pinsker, Caitlin Whittemore, Rachel Goldberg, Leonard Aronson, and Bianca Pinsker at a JNFuture Shabbat dinner in Cambridge.

10.

(L-R back row) Chairman of the Board Larry Cohen, Boston President Steven London, Boston President Emeritus Jeff rey Woolf, Isaac Edry, and National VP of Communities and

(L-R) Louis-Jack Posner and Peter Elitzer at JNF’s Capital Region Breakfast in Albany.

Boston President Emeritus Michael Blank. (L-R front row) JNF New England Executive Director Sara Hefez, David Eisenberg, and Judith Sydney at a Board of Directors meeting at Nixon Peabody in Boston. 11.

(L-R) HonestReporting CEO and Guest Speaker Joe Hyams, JNF New England Executive Director Sara Hefez, Capital Region Board of Directors Members Karen Hausler, and Jane Golub at JNF’s Capital Region Breakfast in Albany.

12.

(L-R) VP of Israel Relations Committee Kenneth Segel, Event Co-Chair Karen Setzen, Event Co-Chair and Capital Region Board of Directors Member Alan Lobel, Guest Speaker Joe Hyams, and Capital Region Board President Robert Ganz at JNF’s Capital Region Breakfast in Albany.

Across the Country

B'Yachad

NORTHEAST

(L-R) Bob Belfer, JNF Southern NJ Senior Campaign Executive Dara Gever, Pam Benedon, David Bross, Marsha Feldman Raab, Cindy Silvert, Len Wizmur, Betsy Fischer, and Mark Kramer at the home of Marsha Feldman Raab in Cherry Hill.

(L-R) Eastern PA Board Member Dale, Nicole, Eastern PA Board Member Jackie, Eastern PA JNFuture Member Samantha, and Joel Danilewitz at the Philadelphia Tree of Life™ Award Breakfast honoring Jackie and Dale.

(L-R) Nicole Danilewitz with Eastern PA JNFuture Member Samantha Danilewitz, Kim Kahn, and Eastern PA Board and JNF Task Force on Disabilities Member Lori Dabrow at the Philadelphia Tree of Life™ Award Breakfast.

A Women for Israel (WFI) Gaza Envelope Task Force event at Betsy Fischer’s Groove Lounge in Cherry Hill.

(L-R) Eastern PA Board Members Steve Dabrow and Jay Minkoff, with Board President Scott Barsky, Board Member Dr. Julie Gubernick, and former Board President Rob Kitchenoff at the Philadelphia Tree of Life™ Award Breakfast.

(L-R) Keith Krivitzky with Allison Nagelberg and Mayor of East Brunswick Brad Cohen at JNF’s Garden State Breakfast for Israel in North Brunswick.

(L-R) Len and Helen Glaser with Alyssa Sutton and June and Michael Schechner at JNF’s Central New Jersey Breakfast for Israel in Short Hills.

(L-R back row) David Chakrin, JNFuture NJ Education Chair Cheryl Becker, Jennifer Loeb, JNFuture NJ Board member Sarah Schiff, and JNFuture NJ Co-Membership Recruitment Chair Michele Bruder. (L-R front row) Rachel Cohen, Miriam Kornitzer, JNFuture NJ Chair Josh Goodkin, and Josh Schorr at a JNFuture Shabbat dinner.

(L-R) Co-Chairs Michelle Witzer, Louise Dabrow, Andrea Gottlieb, Lori Dabrow, Andi Barsky, Lori Beckman, Helene Blumenfeld, Sherri Middleberg, and Betsy Fischer being honored at JNF’s WFI Summer Jam in Ventnor City.

GREATER NEW YORK

Event Co-Chairs Michelle Abramov and Michael C. Roberts at JNFuture’s Shabbat in the Park in NYC.

(L-R) Herb Weiss with Michael Braunstein, Guest Speaker Jay Footlik, Long Island Board President Michael Kessler, Mark Cohen, Jeff Greener, and Brad Siegel at a Long Island Lawyers for Israel (LFI) reception in Uniondale.

(L-R) Irving and Irene Levine with Lori Berman and JNF Chairman of the Board Jeff rey E. Levine at the Ronald S. Lauder JNF House in NYC.

B'Yachad

Across the Country

(L-R back row) Westchester Board Member Shoshana Bederman with Westchester and 8. (L-R) Rachel Lizerbram Sandler, Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn, and JNF Westchester and Southern CT Co-Presidents Caren Hammerman and Jeremy Abramson, JNF Westchester Southern CT Director Stephanie Risa Balkin at a VIP dinner at the Westchester Positively and Southern CT Director Stephanie Risa Balkin, Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn, Westchester Israel Reception in Harrison. Board Member Lynn Jacobs, and New York Board Member Joan Muss. (L-R front row) Westchester Board Members Cheryl Pine and Betty Berenson at the Westchester Positively 9. (L-R) Seffi Janowski with Karl Kaplan and Rafi Levin at JNF’s Northern New Jersey Breakfast for Israel in Rockleigh. Israel Reception in Harrison. 10. (L-R) Stephanie Saft with Guest Speaker Alan Dershowitz and Stuart Saft at JNF’s New 5. Rachel Epstein and JNF Greater NY Executive Director Michael Feinman visit Yad Vashem York Breakfast for Israel. on JNF’s 50 th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission. 4.

(L-R) JNFuture NY Board Member Roy Kirsh with JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, Elior Shiloh, and Stephanie Kirsh at a JNFuture Root Society dinner in NYC.

11.

(L-R) Rabbis Ely Shestack, Andrew Markowitz, Ronald Roth, Jeremy Donath, Eli Belizon, and Benjamin Yudin at a Yom Ha’atzmaut Family Fun Day in Fair Lawn.

(L-R) Sid Banon with Sylvain Siboni, Joseph Cohen, and Jeff rey Bogatin at JNF’s New York Breakfast for Israel.

12.

(L-R) Irina Stein and Frida Bronsky with KKL-JNF Guide Tal Gan-Eden on a visit to Agamon HaHula in the Galilee.

WESTERN

7 1.

JNFuture Seattle’s Rooftop Reception featuring Guest Speaker KKL-JNF Chief Israel Emissary Talia Tzour Avner.

(L-R) Brian Harmatz and Warren Morten at a JNFuture Happy Hour in Irvine.

Carrie Bernstein and Scott Gelb at a JNFuture Happy Hour in Irvine.

(L-R) Debbie Orgen-Garrett and Stephanie Ross at a Women for Israel (WFI) Afternoon Tea in Palm Springs.

(L-R) Ann Miller and JNF Orange County Director Lisa Grier at a meeting in Newport Beach.

(L-R) Event Co-Chairs Jeff and Harriet Bernick with Betsy and Jeremy Zangara at JNF’s Breakfast for Israel in Phoenix.

(L-R) Pearl White and JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman at a WFI Afternoon Tea in Palm Springs.

(L-R) Northern California Board Members Nolan Zail, Karen Raz, and Rose Barlow with Executive Director of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies David Lehrer at Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon, CA.

Rhoda and Sheldon Wolfe at a JNF Yom Ha’atzmaut Community Celebration at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

10. (L-R) University of Oregon student Margaret Butler and JNF Pacific Northwest Israel

Program Admissions Director Alissa Hartnig celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut at Oregon Hillel Foundation’s Israel Block Party in Eugene.

12 11. Shira Futornick (center) with students from the Arava International Center for Agriculture

Training (AICAT) in Israel’s Central Arava celebrating her bat mitzvah and the funds she raised to support AICAT.

12. Scott Lorsch and Cindy Lubin at JNF’s Breakfast for Israel in Phoenix. 13. (L-R) Las Vegas Board Co-President Brian Chernoff, Heather Lyons, Guest Speaker Ethan

Zohn, Co-President Janet Wellish, and Hilary and Dr. Joel Katz at JNF’s Israel Brunch in Las Vegas.

14. (L-R) Jack Lief, Raschel Parsons, Judith Lief, and Gustavo Poveda at JNF’s Love of Israel

Breakfast in San Diego.

15. (L-R) Sheri Borax, Dr. Ari Sacher, Elaine Land-Dexter, and JNF Palm Springs Desert Region

17. (L-R) Lauren Nagy, Alexa Sachs, and Marina Awerbuch at JNFuture’s Shabbat in the Desert 22. (L-R) Loretta Cawelti, Eric Elkins, and Michelle Nikolayevsky at the Mountain States

16. (L-R) Elina Moyn, Jalena Penaligon, Emily Hauber, and Emmy Mitchell at a JNFuture

18. Dr. Geoffrey and Charlene Sher at JNF’s Love of Israel Brunch in Las Vegas.

Director Donna Raider at the Palm Springs Annual Breakfast for Israel. Happy Hour in Denver.

in Scottsdale.

19. (L-R) Presidential Advisor Lauren Lizerbram, Marti Eisenberg, and WFI Vice President

Myra Chack Fleischer at JNF’s Love of Israel Breakfast in San Diego.

Annual Breakfast for Israel in Denver.

23. (L-R)

JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman, Shari Schenk, and Presidential Advisor Lauren Lizerbram present Shari with a Chai Society necklace in Israel.

20. Pat and Lou Fink at JNF’s Israel Brunch in Las Vegas. 21. (L-R) Natalie Goldman, Miriam Grynberg, Vicky Kelman, JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson,

JNF Mountain States Associate Director Jessica Milstein, Mountain States Board President Barbara K. Burry, and JNF Mountain States Executive Director Boaz Meir at an event in Aspen.

Across the Country

B'Yachad

FLORIDA

Fourth grade students participating in an Israel Day Education program at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-el in Plantation.

(L-R) Alan Rusonik with Rachel and Board Member Rob Gebaide at the Orlando Tree of Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts.

(L-R) Ammunition Hill Marketing Manager IDF Major (Res.) Alon Wald with Joan Schwartzman and Dr. Norman Atkin at a reception in the home of Marian and Irving Wiseman in Palm Beach.

(L-R) Orlando Board Co-President Debbie Meitin with Bill Wilson and National Community Campaign Co-Chair Jim Riola at a Lawyers for Israel (LFI) Teleconference hosted by Holland 9. (L-R) Michael Soll and Board Member Mark Israel at the Orlando Tree of Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. and Knight in Orlando.

(L-R) Jane Levy with Barbara Cohen, Ruth Margules, and Sheila Baum at the Wycliffe Country Club Reception in Palm Beach.

(L-R) Event Co-Chairs Emely Katz and Veronica Serjai at the Women for Israel (WFI) Explore Israel Through World Class Wines event at Sky Lake Gallery in Winter Park.

(L-R) JNF Miami-Dade Director Jeffrey Greenberg with Judah Mandel, Josh Bernstein, and Oriah Boaz at a JNFuture networking event in Miami.

(L-R) Ziva Kurlansik with Ilana Ivan, Board Member Shira Glickman, JNFuture Co-Chair Galit Wasserman, and Rita Isaak at the WFI Explore Israel Through World Class Wines event at Sky Lake Gallery in Winter Park.

10. Jim Pugh presenting the Tree of Life™ Award to Kathy Ramsberger at the Orlando Tree of

Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

11. Enjoying Good Deeds Day with four Israeli scouts and KKL-JNF Shaliach Zohar Vloski in

Dania Beach.

12. JNF South Florida Rabbis planting trees at Neot Kedumim on JNF’s South Florida Rabbis

Mission to Israel.

13. Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Honoree Dr. Robert Lewenson at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™

Award Dinner.

14. (L-R) Solomon Schoonover with Miami President Ron Kriss, Isaac Mizrahi, David Schaecter,

JNF Miami-Dade Director Jeffrey Greenberg, Lisa Otero, Miami Doctors for Israel (DFI) Co-Chair Dr. Marisa Potter, Melissa Otero, Marni Kriss, Sebastian Elkan, and Miami DFI CoChair Dr. Lila Chertman at the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial.

B'Yachad

Across the Country

15. Rod

Kerkner wearing an IDF uniform while visiting Special in Uniform at the Palmachim Airbase during JNF’s 50 th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

18. (L-R) Tampa Bay Board Co-Presidents Mary Ellen Hogan and Ida Raye Chernin with Tampa

16. (L-R) Robbie Puritz Hayes with JNF South Florida Vision League Chairman Mark Gendel,

19. Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Honoree Dr. Barry Levine at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™

Cynthia Hertz, and JNF Palm Beach Director Laura Sherry at the Vision League phone-athon at JNF’s office in Boca Raton.

17. Lawrence D. Wasser Award Honoree Monica DiGiovanni at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™

Award Dinner.

Tree of Life™ Award Dinner Co-Chairs Laura Salzer, Lynne Merriam, and Meg Moskovitz at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Dinner. Award Dinner.

LOS ANGELES

Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree and NFL Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Dinner.

23.

21.

Tree of Life™ Award Honorees Jeanette and Tom Carey at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Dinner.

24.

22.

(L-R) Executive Director at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center Elliot B. Karp with Executive 25. (L-R) Rabbi Joseph Bronstein of Congregation Judea–Chabad in Davie and Rabbi Yosef Director at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus Marshall Baltuch, President and CEO of the Weinstock of Young Israel in Hollywood-Ft. Lauderdale on JNF’s South Florida Rabbis Michael Ann Russell Jewish Community Center Gary Bomzer, and KKL-JNF Shaliach Zohar Mission to Israel. Vloski at a Yom Ha’atzmaut event at the Michael Ann Russel JCC in Miami Beach.

20.

(L-R) Dane Berkowitz with Bobby Davidowitz and Board Member Lee Ossin at the Orlando Tree of Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Center of Performing Arts. (L-R) Ad Shuster with JNF Vision League South Florida Chairman Mark Gendel during a phone-a-thon at JNF’s office in Boca Raton.

11 2

12 3

A Chai Society Breakfast in Beverly Hills.

(L-R) JNFuture Board Members Jordan Freedman and Deanna Rothberg, JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, JNFuture Board Member Civia Caroline, and JNFuture Campaign Executive Steffanie Altman at a dinner meeting in Beverly Hills.

(L-R) Greater Los Angeles Board President Alyse Golden Berkley, Event Co-Chair Terre Mirman Steinbeck, Guest Speaker Sherry Lansing, Event Co-Chair Deena Singer, JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman, and author Stephen Galloway at a Women For Israel (WFI) luncheon in Beverly Hills.

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Across the Country

B'Yachad

The Power of Education By Robert B. Levine Photo by Dani Machlis

WHEN JEWISH NATIONAL FUND was founded in 1901, it not only signaled the beginning of the movement toward realizing the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland, it also marked the need to educate the Jewish people about the necessity and benefits of creating the country we know now as the State of Israel. But it was Jewish National Fund in the U.S. in the 1920s that took the lead in Zionist education. In addition to the Blue Boxes distributed to collect funds to purchase land in Palestine, it was clear that American Jewish youth needed to be educated about Zionism, the importance of the land of Israel to the Jewish people, and the need to plant trees to beautify and protect it. Students in religious schools received sheets of paper with pictures of trees on which they could paste stamps they bought for 10 cents

each, and when they had 10 stamps they would receive a tree certificate with their name on it. Children were taught Israeli folk songs and dance. This is how Jewish National Fund’s Education Department was born. Today, Jewish National Fund is the single largest provider of Israel engagement programs in the U.S. From b’nai mitzvah projects to Alternative Break and Birthright trips to Israel for college students and young professionals, JNF engages, educates, and helps strengthen our children’s connection to Israel—from birth to the JNF boardroom. In this issue of B’Yachad, we explore some of Jewish National Fund’s education initiatives and programs—in the U.S. and Israel—that continue to pass the eternal torch of our people from generation to generation.

Robert B. Levine is JNF’s Vice President, Education. To learn more about JNF education programs, please call 212.879.9305 x 245 or email education@jnf.org.

Nina Fairshtein, student at NetGev Arad

A Trifecta of Transformation A School, Its Students, and the Jewish People By Shana Sisk Photos by Erin R. Erb “Occasionally, you will be hiking on a mountain or walking by an unassuming hill, and your teacher will stop the group and tell a story about something that happened close to where you are standing. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that I am standing where history happened. You can almost see the story playing out before your eyes as our teacher explains it.” – ARIEL BERNHARD, 16, ROCHESTER, NY

This is Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI-JNF), an institution that has been shaping the Jewish future through study abroad programs for nearly half a century. By bringing high school teens from the United States and around the globe to its Hod HaSharon campus, located just outside Tel Aviv, and immersing them in a signature experiential learning curriculum, AMHSI has created generations of Israel advocates in the Diaspora. Its 26,000 alumni—and growing—have gone on to attend top universities, and in many cases, have progressed to leadership positions in American Jewish communities. It is the antidote to one of the biggest challenges in Jewish life: the disappearance of Jewish teens after their bar/bat mitzvah, and the fact that there are many Jewish teens who have never been engaged in the first place. “For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel Jewish just because I was…I felt Jewish because I wanted to be, and I realized how philosophical, beautiful, and selfless Judaism is as a religion. I don’t think I could have realized that without my AMHSI experience,” said Shir Czopp, 18, an alumna from Phoenix, AZ who credits her redefined Jewish connection to her time at AMHSI. And the school’s approach has been statistically validated: AMHSI alumni are more likely to marry Jewish spouses, participate in Jewish and Zionist organizations, be a member of a synagogue, and possess a stronger likelihood of charitable giving. In addition to an academic experience, spending time away from home in a dorm-like environment promotes students’ personal growth and independence—preparing them with the skills necessary for when they leave for college. Dedicated faculty and staff maintain a pluralist Jewish atmosphere, one where students are encouraged to explore varying traditions and customs at a pace and level of their own. It all began in 1972 in South Florida, when the late Rabbi Morris Kipper partnered with the Greater Miami THIS IS SUCCESS.

Alexander Muss High School in Israel students on campus in Hod HaSharon

B'Yachad

The Power of Education

Jewish Federation to build the first ever semester abroad high school program in Israel. In 2013, AMHSI was acquired by Jewish National Fund. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and now offers 10 different sessions throughout the year in six-week, eight-week mini-mester, and 18-week full semester increments, along with specialty programs for Jewish day schools and community organizations. The semester and mini-mester sessions include General Studies, where students bring their home high school curriculum, including AP levels, so they can return at or above their peers’ pace at home. AMHSI-JNF Board Member and Marketing Committee Chair Jeffrey Davis values this element. “One of the things I truly appreciate about the school is its unrelenting dedication to academic excellence. The students are not only ‘living Israel’ for their education,” Davis said. “By adding Israel to strong academics, the experience is life-changing; it’s an additional enhancement.” Along with General Studies, all sessions offer the Israel Studies curriculum, the bread-and-butter of the school, which spans 4,000 years of Jewish and Israeli history, using the land as the classroom. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn up to six college credits from the University of Miami’s Center for Contemporary and Judaic Studies. These credits, in conjunction with the admissions essays most students write about their experience studying abroad, place high schoolers in a competitive position to stand out among the crowds of university applicants. “I’m convinced I performed better in college because I went to Muss,” said Ronald Werner, an AMHSI alumnus and AMHSI-JNF marketing committee co-chair. “My time there made me more self-sufficient, helped me develop crucial critical thinking skills, and taught me the ability to survive in a new environment far away from home.” It’s not just the inner circle that knows this. The education industry is on board as well. Carol Doherty, founder of Doherty Educational Consultants, who helps students across the U.S. find the right college match, encourages the teens she works with to attend AMHSI. “I work with many Jewish students in my educational Students learning about the arrival of Jewish Immigrants to pre-state Israel at Atlit Beach

consulting practice,” she said, “and see that the transition from high school to college is a scary one for most. But the students at Alexander Muss are taking a very brave step a year or two earlier than is typical, and you can see the impact it has. The teens I have worked with came back wiser and more attuned to the world. They have a much improved sense of their Jewish heritage and seem more fulfilled as a result.” In the summer of 2016, Doherty visited the campus as part of the Educators and Administrators Seminar, a visit that’s a component of one of the many new elements being implemented by the school. She met with AMHSI co-CEO Leor Sinai, who told her that, “after 45 years of serving Jewish teens, Alexander Muss High school in Israel has broadened our student base into the market of continuing adult learning.” “The Educators and Administrators Seminar brings school counselors, teachers, independent educational consultants, and superintendents to see our program

Students learning Jewish and Israeli history before experiencing it on tiyul

conjunction with Alexander Muss High School in Israel and JNFuture—JNF’s young professionals group—to link the individual experience.” Successes include the Jewish National Fund-Alexander Muss High School in Israel Mentorship Program, which pairs a recent alumnus who is still in high school with a JNF Campus Fellow in their region; partnerships for the High School and College Summits at Jewish National Fund’s National Conference;

“For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel Jewish just because I was. I felt Jewish because I wanted to be, and I realized how philosophical, beautiful, and selfless Judaism is as a religion. I don’t think I could have realized that without my AMHSI experience.” – SCHIR CZOPP, AMHSI ALUMNUS for themselves. They spend time on campus observing classes, meet the instructors—some of whom have been working with the school for 30 years—and discover Israel through day trips, living history lessons, and a full cultural immersion.” Sinai also discussed the development of a new tour, “Mini-Muss: Adult Journey Through Israel,” a trip for parents of AMHSI students who want the “Muss experience.” In addition to developing adult programming, AMHSI’s alumni relations continue to increase. Capitalizing on technological advances and the reach of social media, the school is reconnecting to past alumni. Social media and alumni networks are not only used to support new student recruitment, but reconnecting with past Muss alumni is also an integral part of Jewish National Fund’s Israel Continuum. “The Continuum provides a series of curricula, programming, and training to create advocates for Israel, beginning in early childhood, extending through university life, and into adulthood,” explained JNF Executive Director of Israel Advocacy and Education Yishai Goldflam. “Our education staff has begun working in

and special events connecting AMHSI alumni ages 22-40 with JNFuture chapters across the U.S. Like any typical alumni, AMHSI’s are a strong and proud group, but what sets them apart is their passion. They will often excitedly stop people on the subway or walk up to tables at an Israel fair any time they see the school’s name, always sharing which year and session they attended and launch into a happy memory. Some have also given back to the school directly. Paul and Liat Siegel of New York, NY met at AMHSI in 1994. Liat always felt connected to Israel because of her family connection, but for Paul the school played a significant role in sparking his passion for the Jewish homeland. “The program was deeply meaningful in terms of connecting us to Israel,” Paul shared. The Siegels now fund an annual scholarship and are committed to providing students with the same experience they were afforded when they were teenagers. Said Paul: “Everyone should have the opportunity to establish a long-term connection to Israel, especially in the formative stages of one’s identity. The impact lasts a lifetime.” Alexander Muss High School in Israel transforms the lives of its students, and leaves a lasting and meaningful impact on the greater Jewish community. As an institution that values knowledge and growth, it is ever-changing and adapting. Today, as a proud member of the Jewish National Fund family, the possibilities continue to expand, and who knows what the next 45 years will bring. Please contact info@amhsi.org, call 800.327.5980, or visit amhsi.org for more information on Alexander Muss High School in Israel. The Power of Education

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Making an

IMPACT Born from a rich tradition of fostering leadership, the Alexander Muss High School in Israel Impact Fellowship prepares a select group of high school students to take their place as future Jewish change-makers. Fellows explore and discover Israel with our signature Israel Studies Curriculum of 4,000 years of Jewish and Israeli history—which uses the land as the classroom. Additionally, Impact Fellows participate in a specialized leadership track which includes workshops on critical thinking, social media, marketing, and public speaking, along with weekly writing and creative assignments. Upon their return home, Fellows collaborate with local professionals to speak at events and promote the school.

Alexander Muss High School in Israel-JNF’s Impact Fellowship is now available in 10 locations across the U.S.

Atlanta Arizona Boston Las Vegas Los Angeles Miami Mountain States New York Philadelphia Washington State

Success by the Numbers Our school maintains a pluralist Jewish atmosphere where students explore traditions at a level they choose. This sets our 26,000+ alumni apart from the U.S. Jewish population.

Marry Jewish spouses

AMHSI Alumni US Jewish Population

Participate in Jewish/Zionist organizations

AMHSI Alumni US Jewish Population

Are members of a synagogue

AMHSI Alumni US Jewish Population

Donate to Jewish charities

AMHSI Alumni US Jewish Population 800.327.5980 · amhsi.org/impact-fellowship

88% 56% 65% 18% 63% 31% 80% 56%

Statistics based on 2013 Pew Survey, "A Portrait of Jewish Americans" and an independent study conducted by AMHSI.

Creating the Path for Engagement with Israel PRESCHOOL TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

From birth to boardroom, Jewish National Fund's educational programming is there every step of the way

B’NAI MITZVAH ( AGES 12 – 13 )

“I knew that Special in Uniform was the project I wanted to work on for my bat mitzvah, so I created a website through Jewish National Fund’s B’nai Mitzvah Project and raised over $15,000 selling homemade Shabbos soup. It warmed my heart meeting the Special in Uniform soldiers and their families in Israel. I’m thankful that my bat mitzvah helped this amazing program and hope others will do the same.” — ella toczek, 13, los angeles, ca

Jewish National Fund teaches our children the importance of Israel to the Jewish people—from learning about the significance of tzedakah with Blue Box Bob to celebrating Tu BiShvat, the ‘New Year for Trees.’ JNF helps strengthen our children’s connection to the Jewish homeland from early childhood through fun and engaging activities.

SABABA SOCIETY ( AGES 11 – 14 )

“To me, the Sababa Society is more than just a way for kids to connect and contribute to the growth of Israel. It’s another great way for me to express my love for Israel, a place that has made a lasting impact on my life. I hope that with Jewish National Fund’s Sababa Society, more teens and tweens will be able to experience Israel and have their lives positively impacted.” — ziv zusman, 11, atlanta, ga

ALEXANDER MUSS HIGH SCHOOL IN ISRAEL (AMHSI-JNF)

(YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AGES 22 – 40)

“Spending two months in Israel during my junior year at AMHSI was a life-changing experience I am so grateful for. I returned home with an enriched knowledge of Judaism and Israeli history, gained new life skills by living outside of my comfort zone, and made memories with amazing new friends. Israel will always hold a special place in my heart thanks to Jewish National Fund and AMHSI.” — ari shenkman, 16, arlington, va

“I traveled to Israel in 2014 with JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission ( JLIM) during Operation Protective Edge. It was during Israel's time of need that I knew I wanted to become a leader. Since that experience, I have had the privilege of chairing JNFuture Chicago, serving on the JNFuture’s National Board, co-chairing the 2016 JLIM trip, and serving as a member of JNF’s Housing Development Task Force. Jewish National Fund is a family that I am proud to be part of.”— jason zenner, 27, chicago, il

JNFUTURE

(GRADES 9 – 12)

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY “JNF allowed me to support Israel in a different light, and to better advocate for Israel on campus and in the community. JNF’s College Summit and National Conference provided me with the tools to be a strong Israel supporter. Alternative Winter Break offered me an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Israel. JNF’s Campus Fellows was fantastic—you won’t regret it.” — allyson kolpas, 2016-2017 jnf campus fellow at university of minnesota & current jnf campaign executive in chicago, il The Power of Education

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A Unique School in the Heart of the Arava

An agricultural-based high school is taking root, connecting young Israelis to the land and strengthening their Zionist spirit By Nathan Fox

B'Yachad

The Power of Education

and the desert sun is already scorching hot. A group of students can be seen making their way to the center of campus, their sweat-soaked shirts and heat-induced fatigue indicative of the realities of this corner of Israel where agriculture remains a way of life for many and the primary source of income no matter the harsh temperatures. The students arrive in an upbeat mood, cheerfully singing the latest Israeli pop song together. Looking at their faces, hands, and clothes covered in a fine layer of dust and dirt after a morning spent working in nearby fields, one would never assume that these are high school students studying agriculture and core courses at a one-of-a-kind school. This is how each day begins at Adam V’Adama, a unique agricultural high school located in the heart of Israel’s Arava desert—a narrow sliver of land between Eilat and the Dead Sea straddling the remote IsraeliJordanian border. IT’S 11 AM

“Every day we wake up at 5 am to go do our day’s field work,” said Tal Golan, 16, from Be’er Tuvia. “There are strict rules and no phones allowed, but that doesn’t bother us—we get our hands dirty plowing and weeding fields, and mending and securing the farm’s fence posts. It’s tough but gratifying.” This is what sets this school apart. While the standard high school model in the West, for the most part, hasn’t changed very much since the Industrial Revolution, Adam V’Adama has broken the mold and created a new paradigm, not just for teaching, but for living. Translated into English, the school’s name means ‘Man and the Land,’ and that is exactly what it aims to produce—a new generation of Israelis who see themselves and the land as one. This rare and impressive boarding school was established in 2015 by HaShomer HaChadash, or “The New Guardians,” a Jewish National Fund-supported partner organization that first began its volunteer-based program in Northern and Southern Israel by providing

farmers protection of their land, property, and livelihood against theft, and upholding the Zionist ideals on which the State of Israel was founded. Today, HaShomer HaChadash, through Jewish National Fund, has grown into a leading Zionist movement connecting nearly 50,000 young people to the land, and the agricultural high school is evidence of the positive impact that the organization is having on both the physical and moral fabric of the land of Israel. Located in Moshav Hatzeva, the school is nestled among endless lines of date groves with sweeping panoramic views of the Edom Mountains in neighboring Jordan. Adam V’Adama has taken the Zionist values of caring for and protecting the land of Israel and has created what can only be described as a haven for 10th and 11th grade students seeking an alternative educational experience—one that includes being outdoors, working the earth with their hands, and ‘living’ the experience— not just learning about it from textbooks. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen the students’ Zionist identity and have them leave the school knowing how to farm and secure the land. For many of the students, like Gil’ad Cohen, 16, from Jerusalem, the school has driven home the importance of what it means to be a modern-day Israeli. “Studying here, I have a new appreciation for the pioneers who founded our country, and I feel that I am part of and can now help fulfill Ben Gurion’s dream of making the desert bloom,” Cohen said. In many ways, the program’s schedule has the feel of an army basic training course. Students are expected to adhere to a strict daily schedule that the school’s educators believe is essential to instilling the values and discipline necessary in agricultural work. “I love going to the field each morning. It’s still early and the smell of the earth is refreshing and is a reminder of why farming is a necessity,” Golan said. “I’ve made many new friends here and we don’t view this as work, especially not when there’s great music playing. It’s not work if it’s fun.” After a lunch break, students return

Adam V’Adama students assisting Arava farmers

“Studying here, I have a new appreciation for the pioneers who founded our country, and I feel that I am part of and can now help fulfill Ben Gurion’s dream of making the desert bloom.”– GIL’AD COHEN, ADAM V’ADAMA STUDENT to campus to attend regular matriculation studies in classrooms, where they complete their full state required core curriculum, with the option of taking elective courses in biology, physics, or agriculture. Classes end at 4:30 in the afternoon and students are then free to hang out with their friends and catch up on homework. Now in its second year of operation and with 24 students enrolled, it is this daily schedule that makes the school distinctive and incomparable to all other schools in Israel. There’s just no other school like it. The school’s staff also take students on outdoor overnight excursions—a hallmark HaShomer HaChadash activity—to further connect them to the land, strengthen their social bonds, and equip them with a sense of responsibility, belonging, and leadership. Sitting around a campfire in the darkness of the desert, their eyes glowing, they know they’re doing something completely different from their friends in schools back home. For 17-year-old Eliad Peretz, he feels like “time flew by in an instant, and that the journey just began.” A native of Haifa, Peretz was searching for something different for his education, and he found it. “Here, you don’t just talk about it, you do it,” he said. “That’s the difference from the ‘traditional’ schools and I’m happy that I decided to come to the Arava to experience it, despite being so far from my family in Haifa.” Peretz added that he felt that his character has improved and that he is connected to the land of Israel more than ever. “It really has changed my life,” he said. Shaked Gabber, 16, who came to study from nearby Yerucham, said her decision to come to Adam V’Adama was motivated by her dissatisfaction with the school she was attending. “It wasn’t enough for me. You just can’t sit there and learn for eight hours a day,” Gabber said. “I am interested in things

Adam V’Adama students in the field

like traveling, and my old school just didn’t provide the things I wanted to learn or experience. At the agricultural high school, I work hard all day and go to bed tired and ready for the next day rejuvenated.” Like her classmates, Gabber also feels that her experience has reignited her Zionist spirit, and she wants others to share in the feeling. “I believe everyone should do something like this. It’s life-changing.” In an age when the focus on academic performance is paramount over almost all other considerations, why the need for such a program? For Amit Meir, headmaster of Adam V’Adama, the answer is clearly “to engage young people in becoming full and active citizens of Israel who take responsibility for their actions.” And, although the high school is new and still growing, it’s expected that it will increase students’ chances of landing a good job when the time comes because the program separates them from the crowd on their résumé. Gila Raz, one of the educators at the high school, strongly believes in the program’s ability to transform students. “They put their blood, sweat, and tears into their work and build incredible character in the process,” she said. With the increasing success and popularity of the high school and the alternative style of education it offers students seeking a different path, plans are already underway to begin construction to accommodate more students. With the assistance of Jewish National Fund, HaShomer HaChadash plans to replicate this model agricultural high school in other areas of Israel and provide more students with the tools and opportunities to succeed in a world that is increasingly disconnected from the land and more attached to its phones. To learn more about HaShomer HaChadash and other Jewish National Fund-supported partners making a social impact in Israel, visit jnf.org/communitybuilding or email ylevontin@jnf.org. The Power of Education

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Expanding Israel’s Hi-Tech Bubble to the Negev Desert

How three NetGev Hi-Tech Hubs are providing top-notch educational freedom in Israel’s desert cities By Megan E. Turner Photos by Dani Machlis

ISRAEL IS KNOWN as the Start-Up Nation. In its nearly 70 years of statehood, it transformed the global technological landscape with flourishing companies and cutting-edge initiatives that have placed the country on the hi-tech map. Ten percent of the Israeli population works in the hi-tech sector, 90% of which is located in Central Israel. This creates a small, concentrated bubble of hi-tech employment and innovation whose borders stop far short of Israel’s north and south. But, while the center’s high living costs are reason enough for many residents of Southern Israel to stay put, for countless others, the lack of local, hi-tech educational opportunities has left a large portion of the population without the chance to break into this lucrative field. That’s started to change. A tri-sector partnership has been formed by those interested in transforming and investing in the Negev to make it into the first ever “Smart Region.” The partnership includes the East Negev Cluster (a group of 13 regional councils in the Negev), the Ministry of Social Equality, technology giant CISCO, and Jewish National Fund’s Lauder Employment Center. Together they have invested millions of shekels in bridging the gap between Southern Israel and the hi-tech job market while addressing the Negev’s challenges of vast distances between cities and its vital economic needs. A crucial factor in this process was bringing employment and educational opportunities to the area’s residents. To help realize this project, Jewish National Fund’s Lauder Employment Center in Be’er Sheva, the operator of many employment projects in the Negev, has been instrumental and vital. The prospects of converting the desert into a hi-tech epicenter is in-line with JNF’s visionary Blueprint Negev initiative, a plan producing tangible changes to the Negev and making it an attractive place to draw 500,000 new residents. After extensive mapping, research, and investment, the NetGev Hi-Tech Hub initiative was born. Located in Hura, Dimona, and Arad, three cities across the central and northern Negev Desert, NetGev provides affordable workspaces for local entrepreneurs, as well as practical, technical, and educational training

Alexandra Rokach B'Yachad

The Power of Education

DIMONA Dima Gusyatiner, 25, is a transplant from Israel’s center to Dimona—one of Israel’s early development towns— and a promising entrepreneur in web development. The shared work space and courses have made it possible for him to work with his Tel Aviv clientele while living in an affordable part of the country. “I’m currently taking the Entrepreneurship course, and my classmates and I are constantly saying, ‘How did I not do this before in my business?’” Gusyatiner said. His up-and-coming web company, Webify.Studio, is coming to life in the Dimona NetGev Hub, where he employs three others. “My business has changed a lot with NetGev,” he Graduates from the Network Administration course added. “It’s not just the place—it’s the networking, support, and courses it offers. If NetGev didn’t come in various fields that enable local residents to work in hitech sectors—something that previously was only possible along when it did, I may have given up on my dream of being independent.” if they relocated to the center of the country. Since its With an unemployment rate double the national launch in early 2017, NetGev has provided courses to 127 average, Dimona residents motivated to take the leap people, offered lectures to 205 attendees, and has rented into the hi-tech sector are finding opportunities that out hub spaces to over 21 remote workers. Another attractive incentive is the low cost. Course tuition ranges were non-existent before NetGev came on the scene. between $500–$1,000, a fraction of what students would “For someone living in Dimona that’s not looking to pay in the center. leave the area, receiving this level of education and An integral part of NetGev’s work in making the hi-tech having the ability to apply sector accessible to those in geographically remote areas what we learn in this type is their adult education initiatives and their extensive of environment—it’s an mentoring and support of entrepreneurs and participants. amazing opportunity,” Highly-subsidized courses by CISCO Academy provide Gusyatiner said. students with the opportunity to study and develop a skill set previously unavailable to them in this part of HURA Israel in fields such as web design, app development, NetGev is also working to e-commerce, video editing, and more. bridge the socio-economic Perhaps the most attractive aspect to many of the gap within Israel’s minority students attending NetGev courses—particularly given sector, and this is happening the Negev’s distance from the center—is that instruction at the NetGev Hi-Tech Hub is through remote learning. Students in any one of the in Hura, a Bedouin town of three NetGev centers attend and complete their courses 19,400 residents with an while their instructors are physically located elsewhere. unemployment rate three Using CISCO’s advanced telecommunications system times the national average. makes this method of learning fast, efficient, and smart. “Hi-tech is much less known “We are bringing completely new fields that were never in the Bedouin community because there aren’t many before seen in the Negev right to the students’ door step,” examples to look to,” said Nohad Abo Alken, 27, a resident of Hura and a NetGev entrepreneur. “NetGev is explained Tamar Gil, director of Jewish National Fund’s providing young people in Hura and the surrounding towns Lauder Employment Center, “thus canceling out the a chance to break into this expanding and lucrative field.” problem of the physical vastness and the distance from Abo Alken, one of the few Israeli-Bedouins working the center.” in the hi-tech sector, is developing educational lectures CISCO also provides certification to students upon to introduce Hura’s residents to NetGev and the services completion of their courses, greatly adding value to the it offers. Because Abo Alken understands the community students’ prospects for locating employment. Admission intimately, he believes the materials will serve as good criteria into the program is high, but for the students exposure for NetGev and is an important way to build accepted into the various courses offered by NetGev, trust with a community unfamiliar with the hi-tech they gain the knowledge and tools needed to help turn industry. New courses focusing on the specific needs of their dreams into a reality. the Bedouin community are also being developed. For example, a course focusing on English for business and technology is being designed to increase integration into – TAMAR GIL, DIRECTOR OF JEWISH NATIONAL FUND’S LAUDER EMPLOYMENT CENTER the hi-tech sector.

“We are bringing completely new fields that were never before seen in the Negev right to the students’ door step.”

ARAD Twenty miles east of Hura is the city of Arad, where Alexandra Rokach, 24, credits NetGev and its Network Administration course for changing the course of her life. A young mother, Rokach was working for a national telecommunications company, but always had her eye on the hi-tech sector. “I was always connected to computers,” she explained, “ but there weren’t any opportunities in Arad. When I heard of the Network Administration course, I immediately signed up.” With a certification in Network Administration in hand, Rokach began searching for a better job and landed a prime spot in the network support department of Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva. “This course really changed my life and it’s giving my friends that same chance,” she said. Rokach hopes to one day open a business at the hub. “I see myself as an entrepreneur in the future, working from a distance—it was a dream at first, but I am seeing it really happen and that it is really possible.” “We want to create the real Start-Up Nation,” explained Zika Abzuk, CISCO-Israel’s digitization acceleration officer and NetGev partner. “We must build coalitions between organizations, companies, and governments to make this

Students remote learning at the Arad NetGev Hi-Tech Hub

a reality. As a global company, it is hard for CISCO to be in the day-to-day operation of NetGev. Jewish National Fund’s Lauder Employment Center keeps the NetGev initiative up and running and shows great commitment to our shared dream.” At the core of all three NetGev Hi-Tech Hubs is one essential, driving component, without which people like Rokach, Abo Alken, and Gusyatiner would not otherwise find success—the ability to receive a top-notch education within their own communities. “The Negev has incredible human capital and resources, and the future of the employment field is here,” said Gil. “Influencing public perceptions of the Negev and showcasing its opportunities with visionary partners like Jewish National Fund, through projects such as NetGev, is the first step in creating a true paradigm shift that will attract and keep people in the Negev.”

To donate toward a NetGev Hi-Tech Hub, please visit jnf.org/netgev. The Power of Education

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OUT & ABOUT WITH

JNF’S MAJOR DONORS

World Chairman’s Council $1,000,000 Lifetime

Century Council $100,000 Lifetime

King Solomon Society $100,000 Annual

Negev Society $25,000 Annual

President’s Society $10,000 Annual

Sapphire Society $5,000 Annual

Herzl Society $5,000 Annual

JNFuture Root Society $1,000 Annual

MID ATLANTIC

(L-R) Dr. Robert Keehn (Herzl Society), with Ron and Maryland Board President Orly (Sapphire Society) Shalem at a JNF Housing Development Fund meeting in Baltimore.

JNF National Campaign Director Diane Scar and Dr. Cliff Faber (President’s Society) unveiling a plaque marking their support of the Halutza Medical Center in Israel.

(L-R) Andy Klein (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) presents a Century Council Blue Box Holder to Brenda (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Dr. David (Century Council, President’s Society) Jaffe at a JNF event in Baltimore.

B'Yachad

JNF's Major Donors

(L-R) JNF Water Task Force Member Zachary Garber ( JNFuture Root Society) with Dr. Jeffrey (Century Council, President’s Society) and Wendy (Century Council, President’s Society) Miller at a Major Donor Thank You Reception in Baltimore.

(L-R) Herbert Garten (President’s Society) and Mark Biegel (Herzl Society) with Guest Speaker Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon at a Major Donor event in Baltimore.

(L-R) Dvorah Richman (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) being presented with a new Sapphire pin by Northern Virginia Board Co-Chair Susan Dilles (Sapphire Society) at a Women for Israel (WFI) event in Fairfax.

(L-R) Guest Speaker Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon with Lorraine (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Earl (Century Council, President’s Society) Raffel at a Major Donor Thank You Reception in Baltimore.

(L-R) Florence (President’s Society) and Bob (President’s Society) Chertkof with JNF Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Stuart Diamant-Cohen at a Major Donor event in Baltimore.

(L-R) Jeff Menick (Century Council, President’s Society) and Chuck Fax (Century Council, Herzl Society) at JNF’s Washington, D.C. Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) JNF-Green Horizons Liaison Ido Eisikovits presents a thank you gift to Jack Rose (Century Council, President’s Society) from Green Horizons at a meeting in Baltimore.

(L-R) Michael (Century Council, Negev Society) and Tsipi (Century Council, Negev Society) Renbaum, with Guest Speaker Israeli Ambassador Danny Ayalon at a Major Donor event in Baltimore.

Arlene (Century Council, President’s Society) and Dr. Sheldon (Century Council, President’s Society) Bearman in Jaffa on JNF’s Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour.

NORTHEAST

(L-R) JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler with Joseph (Century Council, Negev Society) and Shelley (Negev Society, Sapphire Society) Paradis, Henry Stein (Century Council, Negev Society), and Mayor of Arad Nissan Ben Hamu at Shelly and Joseph’s home in Livingston.

(L-R) Vicki (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and former Central NJ Board President Andy (Century Council, Negev Society) Solomon with Alyssa and Board President Saul Sutton at JNF’s CNJ Breakfast for Israel in Short Hills.

(L-R) Tree of Life™ Award Honorees and Eastern PA Board Members Jackie (Century Council, Sapphire Society) and Dale (Century Council) Danilewitz at the Philadelphia Tree of Life™ Award Breakfast.

Dr. Josh Schor (Herzl Society) and JNF-LOTEM Liaison Alisa Bodner at LOTEMMaking Nature Accessible in Israel.

(L-R) Eastern PA Board Members Joe Wolfson (Century Council), Joe Zuritsky (Century Council), and Michael Boni (President’s Society), with Steve (Century Council) and Toni Collis, and former Board President Rob Kitchenoff (Herzl Society) at the Philadelphia Tree of Life™ Award Breakfast.

LOS ANGELES

L-R) Deputy Mayor of Sderot Elad Kalimi and Mayor of Sderot Alon Davidi with Betsy Fischer (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Cindy Silvert (Sapphire Society) at a Gaza Envelope Task Force event in Mount Laurel.

(L-R) Betsy Fischer (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) with Randy and Patricia Lahn at a Gaza Envelope Task Force event in Mount Laurel in Mount Laurel.

(L-R) Helene Blumenfeld (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) with Shelly Abramson (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Eva Schlanger (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) celebrating Shelly’s membership into the Sapphire Society at a Women for Israel (WFI) Cooking Class in Cherry Hill.

MIDWEST

(L-R) Israel Fire Chief Yossi Ben Yosef, Paul Sislin (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler, and Leno Sislin (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) with a fire truck donated by the Sislins in Tiberius, Israel.

(L-R) JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson and Israeli War Hero Col. (Res.) Shimon ‘Katcha’ Cahaner, with Larry (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) and Sunny (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) Russ at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ammunition Hill on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

Co-Chairs Jack Lin (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) and Judy Levin (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) at the inaugural San Fernando Valley Breakfast for Israel in Woodland Hills.

(L-R) Ian Guttman (Century Council, President’s Society), Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn, and Morry Wiener at JNF’s Cincinnati Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) Event Co-Chairs Susan Rubin and Margaret Singerman (President’s Society, Sapphire Society), with Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society), Stacey Singerman, and Maddie Friedman at a Women For Israel (WFI) luncheon in Cleveland.

Elaine Gingold (Century Council) is presented with a Century Council Blue Box Holder by JNF Midwest Associate Executive Director Jason Rose at a meeting in Minneapolis.

(L-R) Rhonda Sheakley (Century Council, Sapphire Society), Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn, and Jan Armstrong Cobb (Sapphire Society) at JNF’s Cincinnati Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) Eastern PA Board Member and Doctors for Israel (DFI) Chair Fredric Cohen (Herzl Society) with former Ammunition Hill Director Shimon ‘Katcha’ Chahaner in Israel.

(L-R) Jonathan Star, Rachel Star, Yunes Nabari, JNF Chief Israel Officer Eric Michaelson, and Sara Crown Star (World Chairman’s Council) visiting Project Wadi Attir in Israel.

(L-R) Gary Hokin, Rob Rubin (Century Council, Negev Society), Ted Koenig (Herzl Society), and Steve Lavin (Negev Society) at a Corporate Advisory Board luncheon in Chicago.

(L-R) Shelly Shor Gerson (Century Council, Sapphire Society), Alana Gerson ( JNFuture Root Society), Andrea Newman, and Josh Rothstein at JNF’s Cincinnati Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) Harold Kaplan (Century Council, President’s Society), Bob Wolfberg (President’s Society), Eric Feinberg, Bruce Weininger, Board President Deb Lust Zaluda (Presidents Society, Sapphire Society), and Marc Brenner at a Corporate Advisory Board luncheon in Chicago.

(L-R) Gloria Feldman (World Chairman’s Council) with JNF-LOTEM Liaison Alisa Bodner on a visit to LOTEM-Making Nature Accessible in Israel.

(L-R) National WFI Chair Nina Paul (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Leslie Lewis (Sapphire Society) at a WFI Dessert Reception in St. Louis.

(L-R) Michael Jacobson (Herzl Society), Laurel Fairworth, and Board President Noreen Koppelman-Goldstein (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) at a film screening in Cleveland.

(L-R) Maureen Luddy (Sapphire Society), Guest Speaker Alon Ben Gurion, and Rusti Hansher Moffic (Sapphire Society) at a parlor meeting in Milwaukee.

(L-R) Guest Speaker Jessica Abo, Barry Feldman (Century Council, Negev Society), and Sandy Zieve (Negev Society, Sapphire Society) at a Major Donor Dessert Reception in Cleveland.

JNF's Major Donors

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NEW ENGLAND

(L-R) JNF Midwest Associate Executive Director Jason Rose, Honoree Scott Tobe (Herzl Society), Director of Special in Uniform Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia, and Skip Meyer (President’s Society) at the Guardian of Israel Award Dinner in Pittsburgh.

(L-R) VP of Campaign Todd (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) and Yadira (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) Patkin, with Boston President Emeritus Jeffrey Woolf (Century Council, President’s Society) at a Major Donor Thank You event in Boston.

(L-R) National General Campaign Co-Chair and Boston President Emeritus Robert Cohan (President’s Society), Women’s Alliance Chair Judi Elovitz Greenberg (Century Council, Sapphire Society), and her husband Norman Greenberg (Century Council) at a Major Donor Thank You event in Boston.

(L-R) Marc Perlman (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) with JNF New England and Capital Region Executive Director Sara Hefez and JNF-KKL Israel Emissary Rami Hazan at a meeting in Rhode Island.

(L-R) Judith Sydney (Sapphire Society) and New England Sapphire Society President Rhonda Forman (Sapphire Society) at a Major Donor Thank You event in Boston.

(L-R) Dorothy (President’s Society) and Capital Region President Robert (President Society) Ganz, Boston President Emeritus Michael (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society) and Pat (World Ami (Herzl Society) and Lisa (Herzl Society) Chairman’s Council, President’s Society, Joseph at a Major Donor Thank You event Sapphire Society) Blank, with National VP of Israel Relations Communities Kenneth in Boston. Segel (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) in Israel on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

(L-R) National VP of Communities and Boston President Emeritus Michael Blank (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society), Guest Speaker Alon Ben Gurion, and Boston President Emeritus Jeffrey Woolf (Century Council, President’s Society) and JNFuture Campaign Executive Gali Gordon at a Board of Trustees meeting in Boston.

(L-R) Charles Fax (Century Council, Herzl Society), New England Chairman of the Board Larry Cohen (Century Council, President’s Society), Boston President Emeritus Jeffrey Woolf (Century Council, President’s Society), and Gene Fax (Herzl Society) at a Lawyers for Israel (LFI) event at Nixon Peabody’s Boston office.

(L-R) National VP of Strategic Partnerships and author of “The 24-Hour Turnaround: How Amazing Entrepreneurs Succeed in Tough Times” Jeffrey S. Davis (Century Council, Negev Society), and National VP of Communities and Boston President Emeritus Michael Blank (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society) at a National Board of Directors meeting at the Ronald S. Lauder House in New York City.

(L-R) JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, JNF VP of Campaign and President-Elect Bruce Gould (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), JNF Chairman of the Board-Emeritus Ronald S. Lauder (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), JNF National President Dr. Sol Lizerbram (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), and JNF Chairman of the Board Jeffrey E. Levine (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) at a Major Donor Reception in Phoenix.

(L-R) Former Israel Fire & Rescue Commissioner Shimon Romach, Aynati Kestenbaum Cohen, and NY Board Member Penny (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Stephen (Century Council, Negev Society) Rosen visit Project Wadi Attir in Israel.

(L-R) Long Island Board President Michael Kessler (Century Council, Negev Society) with Long Island Board Member Rubin Pikus (Century Council, Negev Society) on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

Gene (President’s Society) and Anita (President’s Society) Goldstein plant a tree on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

(L-R) Dr. Stephen Feinberg (Herzl Society), New York Times Op-ed Columnist and Guest Speaker Bret Stephens, and Marcia Feinberg (Herzl Society) at a Major Donor dinner in Milwaukee.

(L-R) New England Chairman of the Board Larry (Century Council, President’s Society) and Suzanne (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) Cohen, with Ralph Rotman (Herzl Society) at a Major Donor Thank You event in Boston.

(L-R) Josh (Century Council) and Debbie (Century Council) Resnick with Director of Special in Uniform Lt. Col. (Res.) Tiran Attia at the Guardian of Israel Award Dinner in Pittsburgh.

(L-R) Executive Vice-Chairwoman of the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites Noa Gefen, JNF Chief Israel Officer Eric Michaelson, Boston President Emeritus Michael Blank (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society), National VP of Israel Relations Communities Ken Segel (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), and JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson in Israel on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

(L-R) Bunny Aronson (President’s Society, Sapphire Society), Suzanne Cohen (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society), and JNF New England and Capital Region Executive Director Sara Hefez at a dinner in Newton.

GREATER NEW YORK

JNF Chairman of the Board Jeffrey E. Levine (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) visiting Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center at Kibbutz Grofit in Israel.

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JNF's Major Donors

(L-R) NY Board President Saul Burian (President’s Society), Westchester and Southern CT Board Co-President Caren Hammerman, Long Island Board President Michael Kessler (Century Council, Negev Society),Westchester and Southern CT Board Co-President Jeremy Abramson (President’s Society), JNFuture NYC Chair Jonathan Gertman (Herzl Society, JNFuture Root Society), and Northern NJ Board President Bruce Pomerantz (Century Council, Negev Society) at a Greater NY Board Meeting at the Ronald S. Lauder JNF House in New York City.

(L-R) Dr. Norman (Century Council, King Solomon Society) and Bonnie (Century Council, King Solomon Society, Sapphire Society) Weiss with Mayor of Mitzpe Ramon Roni Marom at the dedication of the Bonnie and Norman Weiss Family Skate Park in Mitzpe Ramon.

(L-R) Northern NJ Board President Bruce (Century Council, Negev Society) and Ruth Pomerantz (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) with HonestReporting CEO and Guest Speaker Joe Hyams at JNF’s Northern NJ Breakfast for Israel in Rockleigh.

(L-R) JNF Chairman of the Board Jeffrey E. Levine (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) with Guest Speaker Alan Dershowitz, NY Board Member Amy Berko Iles (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society), and NY Board President Saul Burian (President’s Society) at JNF’s New York Breakfast for Israel.

(L-R) Scott Shay (Century Council, Negev Society) and JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson at JNF’s New York Breakfast for Israel.

Daron Barness (World Chairman’s Council) and Barry Zemel (Century Council, President’s Society) at JNF’s Breakfast for Israel in Phoenix.

JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson and T. Lungwitz (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) at JNF’s Major Donor Weekend in Phoenix.

(L-R) Las Vegas Impact Fellow Brianna Borden with AMHSI Impact sponsors Len (Century Council, Negev Society) and Linda (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) Eckhaus, and Impact Fellow Ayala Slavis at JNF’s Love of Israel Brunch in Las Vegas.

(L-R) Guest Speaker Ethan Zohn with Jayne Furman, Harold (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), and Janis Lilie (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society, Sapphire Society) at JNF’s Love of Israel Brunch in Las Vegas.

(L-R) Assistant Secretary Ron Werner (Century Council, King Solomon Society), Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, and Drs. Toby (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society, Sapphire Society) and Mort Mower (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) at the Mountain States Annual Breakfast for Israel in Denver.

(L-R) Dick Berman (Century Council, King Solomon Society) with former Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest Dr. Andy David at JNF’s Yom Ha’atzmaut Community Celebration at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.

(L-R) JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman, Dr. Edgar Moran (Century Council, King Solomon Society), and JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson at a meeting in Manhattan Beach.

Northern NJ Board Member Susan (Sapphire Society) and Mark Monane at JNF’s Northern NJ Breakfast for Israel in Rockleigh.

(L-R) David Greenbaum (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society) with JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, Ben Gutmann (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society), JNF Chairman of the Board-Emeritus Ronald S. Lauder (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), and Bob Levine (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society) at a Greater NY Major Donor Reception in New York City.

WESTERN

(L-R) Hilton Efune (President’s Society) and JNF Chairman of the Board-Emeritus Ronald S. Lauder (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) at JNF’s Breakfast for Israel in Phoenix.

Honorees Bobby (Century Council, President’s Society) and Helen (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) Feldman at JNF’s Love of Israel Brunch in Las Vegas.

(L-R) JNF Consultant Stanley Kamlet and Lou Gelfand (President’s Society) at the Mountain States Annual Breakfast for Israel in Denver.

(L-R) Natalie Goldman (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society), National Women for Israel (WFI) President Nina Paul (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society), and Mountain States Board President Barbara K. Burry (Sapphire Society) at a WFI monthly speaker series event in Denver.

(L-R) JNF Executive Director of Northern California and Pacific Northwest Don Schlesinger with Jonathan Seagle (Herzl Society), JNF-Ammunition Hill Liaison Chanan Kupietzky, and JNF Partners and Projects Coordinator Yoel Rosby in San Francisco.

(L-R) Laura (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Steve (President’s Society) Olson with JNF Associate Director of Northern California Martha Kariv in Israel on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

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JNF Orange County Director Lisa Grier (right) welcomes Geri Kate Pearce (President's Society) to JNF's Task Force on Disabilities at a meeting in Laguna Beach.

(L-R) Elaine Land-Dexter (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Sheri Borax (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) at the Palm Springs Planned Giving Luncheon.

(L-R) Dr. Huguette Moran (Century Council, King Solomon Society), JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman, and Dr. Edgar Moran (Century Council, King Solomon Society) at the opening of the Halutza Medical Center in Israel.

(L-R) Assistant Vice President of Israel Action Terry Katz (World Chairman’s Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society), JNF National Campaign Director Sharon Freedman, and Evelyn Binsky (Century Council, Sapphire Society) at the WFI Afternoon Tea Event in Palm Springs.

(L-R) Howard Metzenberg (Century Council, King Solomon Society) with JNF Pacific Northwest Director Roland Roth, and Sarah Metzenberg (Century Council, King Solomon Society) at a reception in Seattle.

Evelyn Binsky (Century Council, Sapphire (L-R) JNF Pacific Northwest Director Society) and Dr. Ari Sachar at JNF’s Annual Roland Roth with JNFuture Members Daniel Spear ( JNFuture Root Society), Breakfast for Israel in Palm Springs. Stephanie Kelman ( JNFuture Root Society), and Simon Schwartz (Herzl Society, JNFuture Root Society) during a meeting in Portland.

(L-R) Max Patashnik, Rabbi Dana Benson, and Jonathan Feller ( JNFuture Root Society) at a JNFuture event in Seattle.

SOUTHERN

Jane Ottenstein (World Chairman’s Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Alon Ben Gurion at JNF’s Major Donor Weekend in Phoenix. (L-R) Presidential Advisor Lauren Lizerbram (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society, Sapphire Society) and Dr. Frances Lobman (Sapphire Society) in Israel on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

(L-R) JNF National President Dr. Sol Lizerbram (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, and Congresswoman Lynn Schenk (President’s Society) in Israel for the dedication of the C. Hugh Friedman Music Program at the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center.

(L-R) Eyal (Negev Society) and Aviva (Negev Society, Sapphire Society) Postelnik with JNF-LOTEM Liaison Alisa Bodner at the Atlanta Forest in Israel.

(L-R) Philip (Negev Society) and Sally (Negev Society) Kaplan at a Major Donor Thank You Reception in Atlanta.

(L-R) Michael Morris (Herzl Society) and JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler at an annual Trustees meeting in Atlanta.

(L-R) JNF Southwest Executive Director Reagan Weil, Lili Rubio, Nora Gonzalez (President’s Society, Sapphire Society), and Central Arava Regional Council Resource Development Director Tania Pons Allon at a parlor meeting at the home of Lili Rubio in El Paso.

Orlando Board Co-Presidents Ed Milgrim (Herzl Society) and Debbie Meitin (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) in Israel on JNF’s Spirit of Israel Mission.

(L-R) JNF Vice President of Campaign and President-Elect Bruce K. Gould (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) with Valerie (Century Council, President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Jim (Century Council, President’s Society) Shapiro at the Orlando Tree of Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.

(L-R) Orlando Board Co-President Ed Milgrim (Herzl Society) with Mark and Caryn Israel at an Ammunition Hill event at the home of Bruce K. Gould.

FLORIDA

(L-R) JNF’s Breakfast for Israel Co-Chairs Evan Gremont (President’s Society) and Adam Loewy (President’s Society) at a planning meeting in Austin.

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Jon (Herzl Society) and Jenny Birnbrey host a JNFuture event for Halutza at their home in Dallas.

(L-R) JNF Vice President of Campaign and President-Elect Bruce K. Gould (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society) with Tree of Life™ Award honorees Nina (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Ron (President’s Society) Oppenheim, and Orlando Board Co-Presidents Debbie Meitin (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Ed Milgrim (Herzl Society) at the Orlando Tree of Life™ Award Dinner at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts.

(L-R) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with JNF Vice President of Campaign and President-Elect Bruce K. Gould (World Chairman’s Council, King Solomon Society), former Ammunition Hill Director Shimon 'Katcha' Chahaner, JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, and JNF Partners and Projects Coordinator Yoel Rosby at Ammunition Hill on JNF’s 50th Anniversary of Jerusalem’s Reunification Mission.

(L-R) JNF-LOTEM Liaison Alisa Bodner with Brenda Johnston (Sapphire Society) at LOTEM-Making Nature Accessible.

(L-R) Janet Kass (Negev Society) with Caroline Schwartz, Lara Zielin, and Michael Kass (Negev Society) dedicate a plaque at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem.

(L-R) Tina Gordon (Century Council, Sapphire Society) with Ellyn Kessler (President’s Society, Sapphire Society) and Robin Taylor at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Dinner.

(L-R) Doctors for Israel (DFI) Miami Co-Chair Lila Chertman ( JNFuture Root Society) with Education Director at the Branco Weiss Institute Naftali Aklum and DFI Miami Co-Chair Marisa Potter ( JNFuture Root Society) at a dinner at the Rok Family Shul in Miami.

David (Century Council, President’s Society) and Edie (Century Council, Presidents Society) Chaifetz unveil their plaque at LOTEM-Making Nature Accessible.

(L-R) Steve (Century Council, Herzl Society) and Penni (Century Council, Herzl Society) Weinberg with Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Joan (Herzl Society) and Jim (Herzl Society) Anchin, and JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler during a parlor meeting at the home of Penni and Steve Weinberg in Palm Beach.

(L-R) JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson and JNFRed Mountain Liaison Jill Oron with Neil (Century Council, Negev Society), David (Century Council), and Steven (Century Council) Braverman dedicate the Riding Area at Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center at Kibbutz Grofit in Israel.

(L-R) Lynne (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Dr. Fred (Century Council, Negev Society) Merriam with their son, Rod Kerkner, at the dedication of a garden at LOTEM-Making Nature Accessible.

(L-R) Dayna Titus (Century Council, Presidents Society, Sapphire Society), with Lynne (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and Dr. Fred (Century Council, Negev Society) Merriam at the Tampa Bay Tree of Life™ Award Dinner.

Marilyn Shuman (Century Council, Presidents Society, Sapphire Society) with a student at ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran.

(L-R) Harvey Siegel, Liz Woodrow, and Toby (Century Council, Negev Society) and Noel (Century Council, Negev Society) Siegel dedicate a plaque at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem.

(L-R) JNF National Campaign Director Diane Scar with Steve (Century Council, King Solomon Society) and Sharry (Century Council, King Solomon Society, Sapphire Society) Solomon at the presentation of a Golden Book of Marriage Certificate in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary.

Broward Board Member Libo and Louise (Sapphire Society) Fineberg at the Harvey Hertz Ceremonial Tree Planting Center in Israel.

(L-R) JNFuture Miami Board President Maia Aron ( JNFuture Root Society) with Judge Alex Bokor ( JNFuture Root Society), Education Director at the Branco Weiss Institute Naftali Aklum, Ginny Llanos ( JNFuture Root Society), Josh Berkowitz ( JNFuture Root Society), and Marni (Sapphire Society) and Miami President Ron Kriss at a parlor meeting in Miami.

(L-R) Rabbi Yaakov Gibber with Warren Struhl (President’s Society) and Reid Shapiro at a Major Donor Thank You event in South Palm Beach.

(L-R) Rabbi Robert Silvers and South Palm Beach Board President Dr. Rob Colton (President’s Society) at a Major Donor Thank You event in South Palm Beach.

(L-R) Robbie Leifer (Sapphire Society) and JNF Palm Beach Director Laura Sherry at a Women for Israel (WFI) luncheon in Palm Beach.

(L-R) Robert Meyer (Negev Society) with JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler, and Rabbi Daniel Gordis at the home of Penni and Steve Weinberg in Palm Beach.

Rosa (Century Council, Herzl Society) and Glen (President’s Society) Golish at a Major Donor Thank You event in South Palm Beach.

(L-R) JNF Israel Operations Development Officer Ariel Kotler with Florence Paley (Century Council, Negev Society, Sapphire Society) and HaShomer HaChadash Founder Yoel Zilbermanw at a meeting in Boca Raton.

JNF's Major Donors

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Learning About Israel with Faculty Fellowship A Memorable Trip and the Friendships Formed with Israeli Counterparts By Wolfgang Christian IN 2016, I was accepted to participate in the Faculty

Fellowship Summer Institute in Israel, a program sponsored by Jewish National Fund and Media Watch International that takes U.S. university and college professors on a 10-day trip to Israel to meet their Israeli counterparts and see the country. I was thrilled, but many friends asked why I would want to go, particularly since I am not Jewish. My reason was different from most participants. I came to the U.S. from Austria in 1953 from war-torn Europe, and I wanted to learn how Israel’s story connected to mine. I don’t know very much about my family’s history before or during the war. My father’s family owned a café in Vienna until it was shut down in 1938 because my grandfather continued to serve his Jewish patrons and friends. I knew that my father was drafted into the Wehrmacht, Nazi Germany’s armed forces. By 1945, the Red Army had taken Austria, and its Jews were gone. As I learned the details of the Holocaust and visited the concentration and death camps, the time came for me to go to Israel to learn how the Jews continued after the Shoah. As a professor, the Faculty Fellowship presented that opportunity.

Our group spent 10 days exploring all that Israel has to offer, visiting religious and historic sites, engaging in political commentary and discussions, and connecting with colleagues at various Israeli universities. We also met influencers and decision makers, such as journalists and Israeli leaders, and enjoyed a Shabbat meal with Israel’s former ambassador to Italy. But the most memorable moments were the unplanned ones, particularly having dinner with my friend who I would co-author a physics textbook with, David Pundak. David, a physics professor at ORT Braude College and the Kinneret Academic College, told me about his parents who came from Poland in the 1930s to settle on a kibbutz. I saw that the Shoah did not end the story of the Jewish people. This past summer, I returned to Israel, working at the Weizmann Institute with professor Edit Yerushalmi and building relationships I incubated during the Faculty Fellowship. David and I presented a workshop for Israeli teachers to adapt physics materials in Israel, and I worked with researchers adapting Israeli materials for the U.S. Now, David and I are exploring having our published textbooks made tablet and cellphone responsive—there’s no end to our

(L-R) David Pundak and Wolfgang Christian

collaborative work. None of this would have been possible without my first visit on the Faculty Fellowship Summer Institute, and for that I can only say toda raba. Professor Wolfgang Christian teaches physics at Davidson College and was a participant on the Faculty Fellowship Summer Institute in Israel. To learn more, please contact Eileen Wedeen at 212.439.7855 or ewedeen@mwio.org.

EARN UP TO 9.5% ON YOUR MONEY, AND 100% OF A NATION’S GRATITUDE. Charitable Gift Annuity

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Jewish National Fund

As a devoted, repeat gift annuity donor and a member of JNF’s Century Council and Gould Legacy Societies, Rose Price says, “Jewish National Fund’s Charitable Gift Annuities increase my annual income, and I benefit from tax savings while supporting the extraordinary work done in Israel. With the high rate of return I get, I can help myself, receive recognition in Israel, and support the Jewish homeland. Everybody wins!”

Contact one of our Planned Giving Specialists at 800.562.7526, plannedgiving@jnf.org, or visit jnflegacy.org

JNF Speakers Bureau: Q & A with Alan Dershowitz COLLEGE CAMPUSES ARE on the frontlines in the discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly regarding the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Supporters often disrupt, silence, and intimidate proIsrael students and speakers. Saul Burian, president of JNF’s New York Board, recently discussed this subject with Alan Dershowitz, Professor of Law, Emeritus, at Harvard Law School. BURIAN There seems to be pervasive anti-Israel bias in almost every modern liberal cause, including Black Lives Matter. How did that happen and what can we, as a community, do to support causes that we care about when they also have an anti-Israel agenda? DERSHOWITZ You put your finger right on it. I will no longer support the Black Lives Matter organization because they went to the extreme of having one country singled out on their platform, calling Israel genocidal and apartheid. I care about black lives but won’t belong to the organization. And I have been a vocal critic of the ACLU, which generally favors free speech, but when a group of radical Palestinian students at the University of California tried to stop [former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.] Michael Oren from delivering a speech, they sided with the censors, not the speaker, and it’s an outrageous

example of what we are seeing. These groups are silent on human rights issues in China, Belarus, Cuba, genocide in the Sudan, and what’s going on in Syria. It is such an important topic that my next book is called, “The Case Against BDS.” BURIAN Is this blatant anti-Semitism, and what can be done about it on campus? DERSHOWITZ It’s nuanced anti-Semitism. It can be just as troubling as blatant anti-Semitism and has to be fought at every level, including educating professors because many faculty are not on our side. Faculty is divided into three groups: vehemently hard left anti-Israel activists who dominate the conversation; those in the middle who don’t know and don’t care; and the silently pro-Israel professors. You know them—they go to your shuls, they contribute to JNF, they are very active and supportive of Israel privately, but try to get them to speak out on a college campus and they won’t do it. A lot of them have excuses like, ‘I’m not an expert’ or ‘I’m an expert but if I speak out my expertise will be questioned.’ If everyone who isn’t an expert can’t speak, and everyone who is an expert can’t speak, who’s left to speak? BURIAN Can education help? At JNF, we have made a material investment in college advocacy for Jewish students,

Alan Dershowitz and Saul Burian

Caravan for Democracy for non-Jewish students, Faculty Fellowship for professors, and Zionist education for kids. DERSHOWITZ You couldn’t make a better investment. Education can make a difference in combatting BDS. When students learn the facts they can be advocates for all the good Israel provides around the globe. The reason I’m asked to speak on campuses all over the world isn’t because there are no pro-Israel professors on campuses, it’s because they don’t speak out. It’s a shame and that’s why it is so important to continue to educate both the faculty and students, so they will speak out. Alan Dershowitz is a member of JNF’s Speakers Bureau. To book a speaker or to learn more, contact speakers@jnf.org, call 212.879.9307, or visit jnf.org/speakers.

A specially tailored society for tweens & teens ages 11-14

Form teams with friends and fundraise for projects together Take part in monthly adventures that connect you locally to Jewish National Fund and Israel Enjoy many prizes—awarded when tasks are completed Email education@jnf.org or call 212.879.9305 x 245.

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Social Media with Education in Mind When used properly, it’s a powerful tool or time spent on social media can be detrimental to a young person’s education. Just the right amount, however, can supplement it in a profound way. At Jewish National Fund, social media has become a wonderful tool with which to educate high school and college students about the importance of Israel, Zionism, and to prepare them for any anti-Israel activities they may encounter on campus. Since many college-aged students are tech savvy and most likely thoroughly socially wired as they go off to college, JNF and its social media platforms remain integral to their lives. Simple interactions provide them with powerful and insightful ways to connect to Israel, their Jewish peers, and the community, particularly if they are studying far from family and friends. Participants—namely college students—on our Alternative Break to Israel trips reach out to their networks via email or social media to raise money toward an amazing, lifechanging service trip during their school breaks. Many of them often go on to become JNF Campus Fellows and leaders for Israel in their lives beyond college. EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME

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Jewish National Fund

Perhaps most crucial is social media’s growth as a powerful vehicle in combating Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses. The battle against this movement is being fought through Facebook posts and Tweets, and having educated young people out there spreading the truth about Israel. One example is Tremayne Smith—an alum of JNF’s Caravan for Democracy program, a mission to Israel for non-Jewish student leaders—who took to the podium to combat and defeat a BDS initiative on his university campus. Tremayne’s inspiring defense of Israel instantly went viral online, and you can watch it JNF’s Facebook page. Social media, like any other tool when used properly, is a phenomenal way of engaging and educating young people—our future. The next generation of Zionists and Israel supporters is influenced by consistent messaging. Let’s make sure we engage them in the right way and arm them with the best possible tools. Also, don’t miss the latest episode of IsraelCast, JNF’s official podcast—available on iTunes, Google Play, or on JNF’s website—and be sure to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us on Facebook (Jewish National Fund-JNF), Twitter (@jnfusa), and Instagram (@jnfusa).

Tremayne Smith fighting BDS on campus

TRANSFORM YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE. BOOST YOUR COLLEGE APPLICATION. Spend six weeks, eight weeks, or a full semester in Israel on a study abroad academic adventure! 800.327.5980 â&#x2C6;&#x2122; info@amhsi.org

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Remember the family. Come home for a visit. Find your unique trip to Israel. Law and Justice Tour

Ride for Yerucham

NOVEMBER 26 – 30, 2017

MARCH 18 – 22, 2018

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Israel’s legal and justice systems and attend

Discover 3,000 years of the Negev’s history on an inspirational five-day biking

exclusive meetings with influential dignitaries and opinion leaders.

excursion. This trip is open to riders of all skill levels.

Israel @ 70 Tour

Israel H2O Tour NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 6, 2017

APRIL 2018 | 4 EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE | OPTIONAL EXTENSION: APRIL 19 – 22

Learn first-hand how Israel has become a global leader in water solutions and

Celebrate Israel’s 70 th birthday in style on this momentous and unforgettable

JNF’s central role in Israel’s water achievements.

trip. Immerse yourself in rich, cultural festivities marking 70 years of Israel’s independence on one of four unique experiences: Spirit of Israel - April 12 – 19, 2018

JNFuture Volunteer Vacation

Positively Israel: Interfaith - April 12 – 19, 2018

DECEMBER 26, 2017 – JANUARY 1, 2018

Young Leadership - April 12 – 19, 2018

A life-changing trip for young professionals ages 25-35 who fundraise their way to

President’s Society - April 15 – 19, 2018 (Optional pre-mission: April 12-15)

Israel to volunteer and get their hands dirty building and improving the land of Israel.

*For more information on the Israel @ 70 Trip, please see the Tours & Travel section on page 7.

Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel (CAARI)

Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour

JANUARY 11 – MARCH 1, 2018 | 2 – 7 WEEK PROGRAM OPTIONS AVAILABLE

MAY 4 – 12, 2018

Capture Israel’s spirit through rewarding community service, touring the country,

Taste and cook your way through Israel with world-renowned Israeli chefs and

and volunteering while learning about the land.

REG ISTE R TODAY

sommeliers as you savor the country’s remarkable food, wine, and music.

CALL

877.563.8687 ·

VISIT

jnf.org/travel

B'Yachad · 42 East 69th Street New York, NY 10021-5093 Electronic service requested

2 017 - 2 018 T R AV EL & T OUR S

Remember the family. Come home for a visit. Find your unique trip to Israel. Law and Justice Tour

Ride for Yerucham

NOVEMBER 26 – 30, 2017

MARCH 18 – 22, 2018

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Israel’s legal and justice systems and attend

Discover 3,000 years of the Negev’s history on an inspirational five-day biking

exclusive meetings with influential dignitaries and opinion leaders.

excursion. This trip is open to riders of all skill levels.

Israel @ 70 Tour

Israel H2O Tour NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 6, 2017

APRIL 2018 | 4 EXPERIENCES AVAILABLE | OPTIONAL EXTENSION: APRIL 19 – 22

Learn first-hand how Israel has become a global leader in water solutions and

Celebrate Israel’s 70 th birthday in style on this momentous and unforgettable

JNF’s central role in Israel’s water achievements.

trip. Immerse yourself in rich, cultural festivities marking 70 years of Israel’s independence on one of four unique experiences: Spirit of Israel - April 12 – 19, 2018

JNFuture Volunteer Vacation

Positively Israel: Interfaith - April 12 – 19, 2018

DECEMBER 26, 2017 – JANUARY 1, 2018

Young Leadership - April 12 – 19, 2018

A life-changing trip for young professionals ages 25-35 who fundraise their way to

President’s Society - April 15 – 19, 2018 (Optional pre-mission: April 12-15)

Israel to volunteer and get their hands dirty building and improving the land of Israel.

*For more information on the Israel @ 70 Trip, please see the Tours & Travel section on page 7.

Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel (CAARI)

Culinary, Wine, and Music Tour

JANUARY 11 – MARCH 1, 2018 | 2 – 7 WEEK PROGRAM OPTIONS AVAILABLE

MAY 4 – 12, 2018

Capture Israel’s spirit through rewarding community service, touring the country,

Taste and cook your way through Israel with world-renowned Israeli chefs and

and volunteering while learning about the land.

REG ISTE R TODAY

sommeliers as you savor the country’s remarkable food, wine, and music.

CALL

877.563.8687 ·

VISIT

jnf.org/travel