LIVINGSTON, N.J., June 24, 2026 — Livingston was alive with the sound of Israeli music on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as the Israeli Scouts (Tzofim) Friendship Caravan troop wowed audiences at the home of Jewish National Fund-USA's Central New Jersey Board member Marci Robinson and CEO Russell F. Robinson.
The garden party welcomed nearly 200 of the organization’s partners (donors) and their families for an evening of Israeli music and inspiration from the Tzofim, who, with the support of Jewish National Fund-USA, were in town to bring Israeli ruach (spirit) to schools and communities throughout the Tri-State region.
Tzofim Leader Amit Inbar (second from left) with Livingston residents Celine Leeds (left), Lina Kanchik, and Nathan Kanchik (photo credit: Robert Schneider)
“I want to thank everyone for coming together with us as a Jewish National Fund-USA family as we celebrate what you, our lay leadership, have achieved for the land and people of Israel,” said Marci Robinson.
Jewish National Fund-USA is one of the most trusted philanthropies for the land and people of Israel. For over a decade, the organization has retained the maximum 4-star rating from leading authority Charity Navigator.
Jewish National Fund-USA Central New Jersey President Barbra London also commented on the Tzofim’s positive impact on the community.
“Forget the headlines [about Israel]. Forget the negativity you see on social media. If we needed any reminder about why we so passionately support the land and people of Israel, it was on display this evening,” shared London. “The Tzofim brought us such a wonderful message of Zionist hope and love. You can see that this generation of young Israelis is determined to build a better future for themselves and future generations. And we are there with them every step of the way.”
From L to R: Livingston residents Staci Weiss and Glen Weiss with Sarah Azizi, and Mike Berkin (photo credit: Robert Schneider)
In addition to the performances by the Tzofim, two Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) alumni, Hannah Kirshenbaum and Maya Klein, spoke about their experiences studying abroad at Muss, which blends rigorous accredited coursework with an immersive experiential Israel studies program, using the land of Israel as a living classroom.
“Before this trip, I thought learning Israeli history would mostly involve classrooms, notebooks, and trying not to fall asleep during lectures,” said Kirshenbaum. “Instead, Israel became our classroom. Every mountain, city, archaeological site, and hiking trail became a lesson.”
Reflecting on the event itself, Klein noted that, “the event showed me that song is a universal language and can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Through bold initiatives and Zionist education, Jewish National Fund-USA is attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s underpopulated and underserved North and South. The organization is also building the $350 million World Zionist Village in the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva, which will unite Zionists worldwide in a new conversation about the Jewish homeland’s bright future.
From L to R: Livingston residents Brad Segal, Russell F. Robinson, and Melissa Segal (photo credit: Robert Schneider)
For more information or to learn about future events in Central New Jersey, contact Celine Leeds at CLeeds@jnf.org or call 973-593-0095 x820.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country’s future. Our work is focused on making Israel’s North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long-term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org.
