GALILEE, Israel, August 3, 2026 — Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson welcomed Michael Izhakov, Director General of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, and members of his senior leadership team to the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF) for a strategic meeting focused on expanding tourism and economic opportunity across northern Israel.
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment as northern Israel continues its recovery following months of war and sustained attacks along the Lebanese border that displaced residents, disrupted local economies, and significantly impacted the region's tourism industry. As communities rebuild and families return home, Jewish National Fund-USA and Israel's Ministry of Tourism are working together to restore the Galilee as a thriving place to live, work, and visit.
“During our meeting in New York at the beginning of June, we promised to come and see for ourselves the impressive institution the organization has established in the Galilee,” said Izhakov. “We kept that promise and were deeply impressed by this remarkable project, which is making a meaningful contribution to the region's economy. We are committed to helping bring more visitors and students to the area. We are proud of this collaboration and of the additional initiatives planned for the future to further develop the Galilee.”
Following a tour of the institute's campus, Robinson, Izhakov, and their teams discussed opportunities to strengthen the region's tourism infrastructure and accelerate initiatives that will help drive long-term growth throughout the Western Galilee. Topics included the Upper Galilee Tourism Hub, the future World Zionist Village hotel project, and additional collaborative efforts designed to position the Galilee as a premier destination for visitors from Israel and around the world.
The meeting underscored the critical role that tourism plays in revitalizing northern Israel by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and encouraging investment in communities throughout the region.
“All we have to do is show people the reality of the land and the people of Israel,” said Robinson. “Tourism has a responsibility to bring people here, because when they experience Israel firsthand, they discover its authenticity, resilience, and beauty for themselves.”
GCI by JNF is a cornerstone of the organization's broader vision to transform the Galilee into a vibrant hub of innovation, tourism, education, and economic development. Together with projects like the Upper Galilee Tourism Hub and the planned World Zionist Village hotel, the institute represents a coordinated effort to strengthen northern Israel for generations to come.
“Our partnership creates value for everyone,” Robinson added. “It strengthens Israel's economy while giving people the opportunity to see, touch, and feel the impact of Jewish National Fund-USA's work. Once they experience the land and its people in person, they don't just understand our mission, they become part of it.”
The visit reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between government, local leadership, and organizations like Jewish National Fund-USA in advancing a shared vision for the region.
Together, these efforts are doing more than rebuilding the Galilee—they are investing in its future.
For more information about travel and tours to Israel, visit jnf.org/travel, call 877.563.8687, or email travel@jnf.org.
