JNF Accepting Applications for Israel Scholarship

Contact: Jessica Siskind • 212-879-9305 ext. 245 • education@jnf.org

August 5, 2008 -- New York, NY -- Jewish National Fund (JNF) is now accepting applications for the third grant of the Milton Shapiro JNF Scholarship Fund, established in memory of JNF Past President Milton S. Shapiro.

Created by the Shapiro family, the fund will award one $5,000 merit-based fellowship to a student attending the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) during the December-January 2008/9 session.

“This scholarship is named in memory of my father, Milton Shapiro, to honor the exemplary way in which he celebrated life with his wisdom and integrity,” said Susan Levkoff.  “He was a champion of the human spirit and with his compassion and generosity he became an exceptional and distinguished philanthropic leader. Passionate about his love for family, he was devoted to the Jewish community and committed to the land of Israel and her people.”

AMHSI is an exceptional 8-week educational program for high school juniors and seniors, the only pluralistic, accredited academic program in Israel for English speaking North American high school students.

To be eligible for the fellowship, students must already be accepted to AMHSI and must raise at least $360 through JNF’s Plant Your Way to Israel program (visit www.jnf.org/pyw for more information). 

While in Israel, fellows will organize three programs for their peers to help build Israel advocacy skills and knowledge of current events. When they return, they will share their experiences with their community through presentations, articles, and other appropriate venues.

“Engaging our young Jewish community to connect to Israel was not a hobby of Milton’s, but a passion,” said Russell F. Robinson, chief executive officer of JNF. “Milton understood that the soil of the land of Israel was truly the soul of the Jewish people. I cannot think of a greater tribute than to have a scholarship fund that touches the next generation and continues the strong link built by Milton. We are proud to be partners with the Shapiro family in this great endeavor.”

Shapiro served as president of JNF from 1993 to 1997, during which time he spearheaded Operation Promised Land, JNF's initiative to help resettle over one million Russian and Ethiopian immigrants in Israel.  He was a devoted philanthropist and a volunteer leader of many Zionist organizations, including American Zionist Fund, Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), American Friends of Likud, and the Jewish Agency, among others.

"This scholarship was created to honor my grandfather's memory by perpetuating his legacy - his love of Israel, learning, leadership, and life,” said Logan Levkoff-Cortes.  “We hope that the students who receive this fellowship will be as inspired by the beauty and history of Israel as my family has been."

Applications must include a personal statement of no more than two pages, one academic letter of recommendation, and one personal letter of recommendation.  Deadline is October 6, 2008.

For more information or to apply for the fellowship, contact Erin Mindell at 212-879-9305 ext. 245 or education@jnf.org. To learn more about the Milton Shapiro JNF Scholarship Fund or to make a contribution, visit www.jnf.org/miltonshapiroscholarship.

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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. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.

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 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.