In the Room Where It Happens

“I am a very proud Zionist,” says Alexander Szikla. “The ethos of Jewish self-determination has always been important to me.”

For Szikla, Zionism is more than a movement; it is a sense of responsibility woven into his family history and the fabric of his identity. His mother, born in Beirut, fled Lebanon after the Six-Day War in 1967 as life became increasingly untenable for Jews. His father was born in New York—the first American born to Hungarian Holocaust survivors. The lived experiences of his parents and grandparents instilled in him a drive to succeed, a sense of duty, and a deep connection to Israel that continues to shape his path today.

At 33, Alexander Szikla is the founder and managing partner of a successful real estate platform. He is also the Affinity Group Chair on the Tri-State Board of Jewish National Fund-USA’s JNFuture, the organization’s community of young philanthropists ages 22–40 and its fastest-growing demographic.

As a real estate professional and JNFuture leader, he has found a meaningful way to bring together two defining parts of his life, helping foster connections among young professionals who share career interests, philanthropic aspirations, and a commitment to investing in the land and people of Israel.

JNFuture is designed to be far more than a social network; it is a platform for leadership development, access, and professional growth, which Szikla experienced firsthand over nearly a decade of involvement.

“I initially joined because I was looking for a sense of community and purpose, and I’ve always felt that Israel was important,” Szikla says. “JNFuture offered a space where I could connect and collaborate with people who believe in the same values and share the corresponding vision.”

Before stepping into his role as Affinity Group Chair in 2021, Szikla himself gravitated toward the affinity group that spoke to his professional passions: Jewish National Fund-USA’s Real Estate Professionals for Israel.

For Szikla, this group offers something deeper than networking. “It’s not just about being in the same room as industry leaders,” he says. “It’s about having a shared passion and being able to collaborate in a meaningful way with measurable impact.”

Through Jewish National Fund-USA, young leaders like Szikla have found access, insights, and opportunities to collaborate with both entry-level colleagues and prominent figures who share a commitment to our ancestral homeland. Events that stood out to him featured real estate moguls such as Ofer Yardeni and prominent political figures such as former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. “It’s not so easy to access those perspectives in our day-to-day lives with consistency,” Szikla says. “Being able to hear from trailblazers like that—and to be in a room with peers and mentors who are equally driven and committed—is incredibly valuable.”

Beyond panels and events, Szikla emphasizes the opportunities JNFuture provides for hands-on leadership and philanthropy. Through task forces and board service, young members can work alongside seasoned professionals while supporting initiatives that directly benefit Israel’s North and South.

Within JNFuture, Szikla has found not only community and purpose, but tangible opportunities for growth, leadership, and connection, all rooted in a shared commitment to the land and people of Israel.

Learn more about JNFuture at jnf.org/jnfuture