JNFuture
At Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2025 Global Conference in Miami, 40% of attendees were under the age of 40. It was more than a statistic—it was proof that the next generation of Zionist leadership is already here, actively shaping the direction of Jewish and Israel-focused philanthropy.
That momentum is now carrying forward to San Diego, where the organization’s 2026 Global Conference for Israel is poised to build on Miami’s record attendance and energy, with expanded opportunities and a reduced ticket price of $250 for members of JNFuture—Jewish National Fund-USA’s young professional’s group for partners (donors) ages 22-40, and its fastest-growing demographic.
JNFuture leader and 2026 Conference Co-chair Raeefa Shams exemplifies this momentum.
Raeefa first connected with Jewish National Fund-USA nearly a decade ago through JNFuture, and since then, her involvement has only deepened. She has attended every Global Conference for Israel since 2018, served in leadership roles across boards, task forces, and committees, and participated in multiple missions to Israel.
“Younger people are ready to take the reins,” Raeefa says. “We’re ready to show up and stand up for our community.”
For Raeefa, the Global Conference for Israel offers both emotional impact and practical insight—creating space to address issues facing younger generations, like rising antisemitism on college campuses, while also providing a clear window into Jewish National Fund-USA’s work in Israel.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Conference in San Diego, Raeefa anticipates even stronger participation from her JNFuture cohort, working side by side with leaders across generations. As she puts it: “JNFuture doesn’t exist in a vacuum. We exist in relationship with other generations within JNF-USA, as current and future leaders, and as partners to our friends in Israel. We’re excited to envision a future together.”
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