Annual Brotherhood Mission Brings Love and Support to Israel

A philanthropic mindset, positive attitude, and deep love for Israel: these were the primary criteria for participating in the 2nd Annual Jewish National Fund-USA Brotherhood Mission to Israel.

The 45 men from across the country who participated brought that and more, ultimately raising more than $2 million to benefit the land and people of Israel.

“It was mind-blowing—a very mission-driven experience,” Dr. Steve Katz, the mission’s founder and chair said. “Everyone knew it was about something bigger than themselves.”

Their itinerary was jam-packed, beginning each day at 6 a.m. and going until 11 p.m., starting on day one. Immediately after the group landed at Ben Gurion Airport, they joined thousands of Israelis at the funeral procession for Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, 9-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel, who were taken hostage by Hamas terrorists and murdered in captivity.

The group then threw themselves into the work of tikkun olam. They barbecued with Israeli soldiers, donated blood, assembled care packages, and painted and beautified a kibbutz’s kindergarten just two kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border. They even introduced war-weary soldiers to the joys of pickleball, lifting spirits and spreading smiles.

They also toured the country, with an emphasis on off-the-beaten-track sites and had the opportunity to meet with two released former hostages and hear about their horrific experiences at Hamas’ hands.

“The mood in Israel, if I had to pick one word, is ‘resilience,’” Katz said. “There’s a sense of unity, a sense of trauma, but it’s been channeled in a direction of hope, not despair.”

“A lot of people in Israel, they were like, ‘What are you doing here?’ And they really didn’t understand,” said participant Max Schachter. “But when we told them we were there to thank them and give them a hug and tell them we support them, they were so moved.”

Plans are already underway for the third Annual Jewish National Fund-USA Brotherhood Mission, scheduled to take place from February 24 – March 4, 2026.

“It’s a completely selfless trip,” Katz said. “There’s no ulterior motive. Everyone is there for

Am Yisrael.”

“The Jewish National Fund-USA Brotherhood Mission to Israel is the most impactful trip to Israel you will ever go on!” added Schachter.

If you are interested in joining the next annual Brotherhood Mission to Israel on February 24 – March 4, 2026, email [email protected] or visit jnf.org/brotherhoodmission