EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., May 16, 2025—Jewish National Fund-USA hosted its inaugural Women for Israel reception for Monmouth and Middlesex Counties on May 6, 2025, uniting female philanthropists who are dedicated to supporting the land and people of Israel.
Chaired by Barbra London and Phyllis Chancy Solomon, the Resilience Through Hope and Healing event at the East Brunswick Jewish Center featured keynote speaker Ayelet Shmuel, Director of the International Resilience Center in Sderot, and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma-focused psychotherapy. Renowned for her expertise in crisis resilience, Shmuel has trained professionals worldwide in psychological first aid and played a pivotal role in supporting Israeli communities following the October 7 terrorist attacks.
Ayelet Shmuel, Director of the International Resilience Center in Sderot
The evening highlighted the trauma and PTSD that many Israelis are still facing, and how psychological wounds can be even more challenging to repair than the physical ones. Additionally, attendees learned about Jewish National Fund-USA-supported resilience centers, which are lifelines for thousands of Israelis, offering trauma counseling, resilience training, and emotional support for families living near the border with Gaza.
“I don't know one person in the country right now that is not affected by the war in one way or another,” said Shmuel. “In order to move forward, you need to have resilience skills. That is the challenge. The trauma piece of it is still going on. We have soldiers dying every day, we still have hostages in Gaza. We are a grieving nation. The full recovery will begin when the hostages come home.”
Barbra London (JNF-USA Central NJ Women for Israel Co-Chair), Dahlia Wolkoff (Alumna of Alexander Muss High School in Israel), and Anna Millstein (Director, JNF-USA Central NJ)
Local lay leaders also showcased how Jewish National Fund-USA is leading efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate Israel’s battered North and South. By investing in new housing sites, employment initiatives, medical centers, mental health services, schools, playgrounds, resilience centers, and more, the organization is creating multiple “circles of impact” that support its vision of attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s frontier regions.
“At Jewish National Fund-USA, we don’t just bear witness to the courageousness of a people valiantly and boldly rebuilding their lives; we walk side by side with them, hand in hand, and build together,” said Phyllis Chancy Solomon.
Jewish National Fund-USA recently launched a new Women for Israel division for philanthropists living in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, joining the network of thousands of dedicated female Zionists nationwide who support the organization’s mission of building a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement.
Dr. Penny Cohen, Cindi Jacobs, Barbara Pollak, Gloria Jaslow, Anne Kroll (Chair, JNF-USA Monmouth Middlesex Committee), Cindy Rollman, Tiby Lapkin, Judi Oshinsky, Dr. Laura Brandspiegel, Hollie Cerame, Rachel Cohen
“We form connections, build networks, and develop solutions – in the U.S. and in Israel,” said Barbra London. “Our connection to Israel is about so much more than just a tiny place on the map. It lies in the heart of our history and the promise for our future. As women and Zionists, we nurture our heritage to ensure that Israel not only survives this latest and longest threat to our existence, but so that it thrives for generations to come!
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA, Women for Israel, or future events, contact Anna Millstein, Director, Central NJ, at [email protected] or 973.593.0095 x826.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
