Building Community, Strengthening Zionism

Jewish National Fund-USA is the largest provider of Zionist engagement in the U.S. A key part of its strategy to connect with Zionists at all stages of life is achieved through JNFuture, its donor group for young professionals (ages 22-40), which is also its fastest-growing demographic. 

Jewish National Fund-USA doesn’t just ‘talk the talk’ when it comes to empowering the next generation of young Zionist leaders. Instead, the organization ensures that all its boards and committees include seats assigned for JNFuture members. The group’s leaders are also encouraged to develop their own events and fundraising initiatives to support the people of Israel’s North and South. 

An example of JNFuture leaders inspiring their peers to support our homeland occurred fifteen years ago when they came up with an idea that has since grown into a nationwide event. Its “Shabbat in the Park” concept brings together young Zionists across the country for a Friday night of community, showcasing the power of the next generation of Jewish leaders. 

The brainchild of former JNFuture Chair Ben Jablonski and then-Jewish National Fund-USA professional Gabby Carlin, one of the highlight events on New York’s young Jewish professionals’ social calendar gathers hundreds for a sit-down Friday night meal in Central Park. Along with its nationwide counterparts, these have become some of JNFuture’s top signature events. 

The first event, held in 2008 at Sheep’s Meadow in the heart of Central Park, drew about 100 attendees under a tent. Since then, it has expanded into a 400-person event that takes over the Central Park Zoo and even includes a full sea lion show. 

“All of the events and engagements we organized focused on topics that mattered to people in New York and also to people in Israel,” said Jablonski. 

Carlin reflects, “The idea came to Ben about creating more experiential events. He thought, ‘we could put up a tent in Central Park and bring everyone there,’ and we were very young and ambitious, without much fear, doing our best to leverage our connections to make it happen.” 

This special evening has inspired similar events across the U.S.: nights like Shabbat in the Desert in Phoenix, Arizona (now called Night in the Negev), Shabbat in the Capital in D.C., Shabbat at the Shore in New Jersey, and others. 

Through JNFuture, it offers meaningful travel and volunteering experiences in Israel, leadership development opportunities, and more. 

Each year, a select group of JNFuture partners (donors) is invited to attend the prestigious Bar Yadin Family Foundation JNFuture Leadership Institute Summit (JLIS). This annual gathering provides unmatched access to global leaders and mentors, fostering a deep connection to the land and people of Israel. 

JNFuture also hosts regular missions to Israel, where participants see Jewish National Fund-USA’s impactful projects firsthand. From visiting rehabilitation clinics, schools, innovation centers, emergency response hubs, agriculture R&D institutes, and more, participants witness how the organization has created an interconnected strategy aimed at attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s frontiers. 

To join JNFuture or find an event near you, visit jnf.org/jnfuture