When Roni Wolk and her husband first walked into Jewish National Fund-USA’s Atlanta office, they had one simple question: “How can we help?” Little did she know that this moment would set her on a path to becoming a driving force in Women for Israel and a prominent voice for her community in the philanthropic world.
For Roni, philanthropy wasn’t always part of her upbringing. She grew up in a household where Israel wasn’t a central topic, and large-scale giving wasn’t discussed. However, through Jewish National Fund-USA, she found a cause she was passionate about and a community that inspired her to lead, give, and encourage others to do the same.
Building a Legacy within Women for Israel
When Roni first got involved with Jewish National Fund-USA in Atlanta, there was no formal Women for Israel chapter. She and other passionate women set out to change that, initially focusing simply on getting women into a room. Their first event drew 100 women—an impressive start that caught the attention of national WFI leaders like Nina Paul and Louise Dubrow. With mentorship and guidance, Roni soon stepped into a leadership role, learning the art of fundraising and discovering her voice as a passionate advocate for Israel. She eventually joined the national WFI executive board, served as Assistant VP and has since continued as a board member.
Through her work, she recognized that women engage in philanthropy differently than men—not better or worse, just differently. Women often want to hear personal stories, understand the impact of their giving, and feel a sense of connection. With that in mind, Roni now chairs Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel newsletter, a publication dedicated to telling the stories of the organization’s work through a lens that resonates with women.
“I kept pushing for a newsletter that speaks to women, tells stories that matter to women, and reflects the different ways women give and lead,” Roni recalls. “Eventually, I got the nod, and we made it happen.”
The newsletter now reaches over 400,000 women and recently earned 2ND place in the prestigious AJPA Simon Rockower Award—further proof that storytelling can inspire action. The impact is tangible: Roni shared that after reading a recent issue, one woman called Jewish National Fund-USA and said, “Put $20,000 on my credit card.”
Women as Philanthropic Leaders
Studies show that women are the decision-makers in up to 70% of philanthropic giving in the U.S. Roni has seen this firsthand. “Women set the tone for philanthropy in their families. They may not start by writing the biggest checks, but they lead by example, and eventually, their overall family giving grows.”
Beyond Women for Israel, Roni and her husband are deeply involved in Jewish National Fund-USA’s work supporting people with disabilities in Israel. Within the organization’s Disabilities Task Force, she chairs the LOTEM committee. This Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate works to make all of Israel accessible for individuals with disabilities, including children and adults impacted by trauma. Her husband serves as the national chair of Special in Uniform, another Jewish National Fund-USA initiative that integrates young people with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces, giving them a sense of purpose, job skills, and an opportunity to serve their country.
Reflecting on her journey, Roni says, “Getting involved with Jewish National Fund-USA has changed my life. It has brought me closer to Israel, strengthened my Jewish identity, and empowered me to be a leader in ways I never imagined.”
A Message to the Next Generation
For those considering how to support Israel, Roni offers this advice: “Don’t be intimidated by the fundraising aspect of the organization. Get involved first. Learn, engage, and find your passion. The giving will follow naturally because you’ll want to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Her secret to sharing her passion and message with a broader audience? Speak from the heart. “Tell your story. Your story isn’t mine, and mine isn’t yours. But when you speak authentically, people will listen. Passion is contagious.”
As Jewish National Fund-USA continues to grow its impact, leaders like Roni Wolk exemplify the power of women’s philanthropy, proving that when women lead, they inspire generations to follow.
Interested in learning more about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel and how you can get involved? Visit jnf.org/women for more information.
