JNF Names New National Missions Chair

Boston’s Larry Cohen to Promote Travel to Israel

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

February 3, 2009 -- New York, NY -- Understanding that there is no better way to connect to Israel than visiting Israel, attorney Larry Cohen from Chestnut Hill, MA has taken on the position of National Missions Chair for Jewish National Fund (JNF). His goal is to encourage as many people as possible to participate in a JNF mission or trip and take part in what past travelers have called “a transformational experience.”

Cohen, who has been involved with JNF since 2002 and is currently president of the board in the Boston area, is very excited about the opportunity.

“I personally love going on these missions and have chaired several myself,” he said. “Forty people, mostly first-timers, came on the last mission I chaired and it was the most wonderful experience not only for them but for me, watching them enjoy themselves so thoroughly. When you go to Israel with JNF there is an added element to your experience. You get to meet the people of Israel and hear about their accomplishments and the challenges they face -- as visionaries, pioneers, environmentalists --  and this slice of life is something you simply cannot get when you go on your own.”

“Larry’s dedication and commitment to JNF is absolutely inspiring," said Sharon Freedman, New England Zone Director. "He is totally focused on helping raise money, developing our growing board of directors and recruiting friends, family, clients and colleagues to join our missions. His involvement in helping shape the itinerary, ensuring that mission participants get a full understanding of our critical projects in Israel while having a wonderful time has been a huge success. We are honored that he has accepted this national position.

With over 100 years of experience as caretaker of the land of Israel, no one knows Israel better than JNF.  Arranged through JNF’s Travel & Tours Department, JNF missions allow participants to see a side of Israel that other trips don't, going above and beyond the classic tourist experience. 

In addition to touring the entire country, travelers learn about JNF's work for the land and people of Israel by meeting the modern-day pioneers who are making their home in new communities in the Negev; planting trees with their own hands in JNF forests; visiting JNF reservoirs that provide water to 1.5 million Israelis; and hearing how the security roads on Israel's borders make a real difference in the lives of the people who use them for safe travel.

Upcoming missions include:

• Come With me to Israel, A Trip of Lifetime: March 22-April 1, 2009
• Pride of Israel Mission: April 19 -25, 2009
• Queen of Sheba Women’s Mission: May 11-20, 2009
• Southern Zone B’Yachad Mission: May 20-28, 2009
• Arizona Regional Mission: October 13-23, 2009
• Bird Watching and Photography Mission: Fall 2009

For information about JNF missions to Israel, please visit www.jnf.org/travel or call 877-JNF-TOUR. 

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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.