JNF Targets Israel’s Youth for Leadership - Boston Leader Named Chairman of Green Horizons

Contact: Jodi Bodner • JNF Director of Communications • 212-879-9305 ext. 221 •jbodner@jnf.org

May 9, 2008 -- Seeking to make a real impact on the development of Israel’s youth, Jewish National Fund (JNF) has just named Ronald Lubin the North American Chair of Green Horizons.

Called Hugey Sayarut in Israel, Green Horizons’ main mission is to develop in its youth independence, initiative, leadership, responsibility, companionship, caring and involvement in the community.

“Green Horizons is a great way to connect to kids,” said Lubin, a past president of JNF New England, and a managing director of Crystal Capital where he leads the real estate debt and equity investment business. “It’s about boosting their confidence through activities as they are taught about the environment. It dovetails so well with JNF’s mission. I am honored to be playing this role.”

Hugey Sayarut (Hebrew for “hiking groups”) was formed by a group of friends as a memorial to Uri Meimon, an IDF soldier who was killed in the Yom Kippur War.

Meimon was passionate about hiking and so his friends decided to create an educational project that would cultivate the love of hiking among Israeli youth.

Founded 30 years ago, the program consists of weekly gatherings and a monthly hiking trip designed to put the children’s newly acquired knowledge into practice. Separated from television and computers, the youngsters are immersed in learning about Israel's history, geography, and environment.

Plans for the future include expanding its reach and activities to more sectors and communities in Israel to bridge gaps and provide an equal opportunity to all children; opening a Hugey Sayarut School that will specialize in training guides and teaching field skills such as navigation and rappelling; establishing Young Forests Rangers groups; and creating a professional and well-equipped rescue team.

Hugey Sayarut’s recipe of field work and educational outdoor adventures has provided thousands with the ability to overcome obstacles, taught teamwork and the meaning of reaching potential. With a goal of fostering leadership in students, the program: 

• Teaches Zionism, love of the land of Israel and its people;
• Instructs the participants about the importance of social participation, tolerance, and personal responsibility;
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding nature and the environment through hiking and;
• Uses group dynamics to help the participants acquire important values and skills.

“The activities and outdoor living are the foundations of the educational process and help enhance the lives of children,” said Lubin. “With more dollars we can reach many more children and have an even greater impact."

For more information, visit www.jnf.org/greenhorizons.

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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.