For Sandy and Lorena Zatcoff, supporting Israel is not just meaningful, it’s existential. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia and now living in Delray Beach, Florida, the Zatcoffs are proud supporters of Jewish National Fund-USA, drawn in by the organization's impact, hands-on involvement, and shared Zionist values.
What began as a modest introduction to the organization quickly blossomed into a profound and lasting commitment. Sandy, a retired commercial real estate attorney, and Lorena found deep purpose in Jewish National Fund-USA's wide-reaching initiatives. Their involvement contributes to many aspects of Israeli life, spanning from housing development to innovative therapy programs.
One of their most significant contributions was the funding of a large bomb shelter in the planned Kiryat Shmona Emergency Response Center. “With the bomb shelter, the purpose is obvious, and we wanted to do something that would have permanence for us in Israel,” Sandy explains. Lorena adds, “What we also love about the shelter is that when it's not being used as a shelter it can still be used as a recreation center. It's big enough that it can be used for general community purposes.”
Beyond infrastructure, the Zatcoffs were also drawn to programs that reflect their personal passions. With children and grandchildren who are equestrians, and a family-wide love for animals and nature, the Zatcoffs were immediately drawn to donate to Jewish National Fund-USA’s therapeutic dog and horse programs for people with disabilities. “I have seen what therapy can do for disabled children, and all children,” Lorena says. “As soon as we saw that, I said, 'We have to do that.’”
Their connection to Israel itself is just as personal. The couple first visited the country shortly after their wedding, and since then, they’ve returned multiple times. Most recently, they attended a Jewish National Fund-USA volunteer mission in January, where they rescued produce from local farms and cleaned out a kindergarten building, which was in desperate need of care after residents were evacuated for many months. Lorena shared the importance of these trips, “Everybody should go to Israel at least once, I don't care what your faith is, it's where everything started.”
For Sandy and Lorena Zatcoff, giving to Jewish National Fund-USA isn’t about recognition. It’s about doing what matters, staying connected to Israel, and making sure their values live on through something lasting. As Sandy puts it: “If you believe in the Jewish people, you have to believe in the importance of Israel, and Jewish National Fund-USA is important to Israel.”
