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JNF has a lot to be proud of, but there's still a lot to do. Love what we do but not sure how you can help? Want to connect the next generation to Israel or plan a volunteer day? Have a new project idea?

Whether you have a few hours a month or a few hours a week, we can connect you to a JNF volunteer project that will resonate with you. 

Societies
JNF’s donor societies are reserved for a select group of people who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to Israel and JNF. In exchange for their support, society members receive exclusive privileges and services. Learn more about the World Chairman’s Council, President’s Council, Century Club, Herzl Society, and Sapphire Society and how to become involved in your area.

Israel Regional Office Information

Serving: Israel

Mailing Address
42 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021
[p] (212) 879-9300
[f]

Alon Badihi, Executive Director
Before joining JNF, Alon served as the Executive Vice-Chairman of The Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (SPIHS), one of JNF's leading partners, involved in protecting and restoring over 100 leading heritage sites throughout Israel. Alon is a member of Israel’s Bar Association and received his MBA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 

Prior to working with the SPIHS, Alon worked as a commercial lawyer.

Shahar Hermelin, Spokesperson, Director of Tourism
Shahar joined JNF having served for six years as deputy spokesman, then spokesman, for the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) following four years as the spokesman for the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (SPIHS). Prior to that, Shahar was a journalist in northern Israel and worked for ten years in regional newspapers, radio and TV. From 1992-2005, he also worked as a professional basketball referee and instructor for the Israel Basketball Association.

Shahar was born in Kibbutz Ramat David, in the Jezreel Valley, and currently lives in Givataim. He is married with three children.

Meirav Atias,Government and Donor Relations
Meirav joined JNF following ten years with the Prime Minister's Office - Government of Israel where she served in a variety of positions such as Foreign Press Liaison and assistant to the Prime Minister's Communication and International Relations Adviser. 

Meirav was born and lives in Jerusalem. She is married with two children.

Zelig Chinitz
Senior Advisor

Zevi Kahanov,Senior Advisor
Zevi established the JNF Israel office and served as its first Executive Director. During the pervious 25 years, Zevi served as Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) Chief Representative to the JNF of America on 3 separate assignments totaling 14 years. In addition to operating at various regional and national management capacities in the US, Zevi served in Israel as KKL’s Director of the USA department, Projects Department and Tourism Unit.

Prior to working for KKL and JNF, Zevi served as the Jewish Agency’s representative to Glasgow, Scotland and Liverpool, England and, in Israel, as an English teacher and director of a high school seminar center for Jewish and Zionist Identity.  

Zevi was educated in Israel and Britain, graduating from British universities having studied Political Science and Law, English Language and Literature and Classical Hebrew.

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