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Three members of Jewish National Fund-USA's Naples Board of Directors returned from their respective mission trips to Israel with a renewed appreciation for the organization’s work.
As the most trusted name in Israel philanthropy, Jewish National Fund-USA is committed to driving population growth in Israel’s North and South, providing emergency resources, economic opportunities, and more to make these regions the most attractive in Israel.
In mid-February of 2026, Norman Isaacs and Amy Berko Iles joined the organization’s Circles of Impact Mega Mission, which welcomed participants from across the country to see the organization’s work in Israel’s North and South.
During his visit to the South on the Arava task force, Isaacs was struck by the innovation and resilience he witnessed. Despite challenging conditions, he saw thriving agricultural development in the desert with Jewish National Fund-USA's Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT). “Viewing the students at the two agricultural high schools and seeing the work that they created was amazing,” Isaacs said.
He also visited the kibbutzim on the borders of Gaza and Jordan, among some of the hardest hit during the October 7 attacks. “Many talked about the impact that Jewish National Fund-USA’s resilience centers have had on themselves and their families,” he said. “It was amazing to see.”
Meanwhile, Iles went North to see the organization’s developments. “It was amazing seeing how many economic drivers are coming to life throughout the northern communities in education, food tech, agri-tech and new business hubs,” she said. “So was the marvelous food prepared by the Druze and Bedouin communities and dining at the new Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF. It was all extraordinary.”
Iles was always dedicated to Israel and had visited several times, but this travel experience was different. “When I travel with Jewish National Fund-USA, I have access to very unique opportunities, such as meeting with regional leadership who can detail the strengths and challenges of their local communities,” she reflected. “We can focus on the people of Israel and learn about what Jewish National Fund-USA is doing without worrying about travel details.”
After Isaacs and Iles returned from the Mega Mission in mid-February, Michael Segal took his turn on the Brotherhood Mission in late February. But when the itinerary was cut short due to the war with Iran, he and the other participants sprung into action.
“It was surreal,” he said. “We visited and worked on a central command base on day one. We were in the Golan and Galilee region on day two. We spent time with soldiers suffering from PTSD and hosted a pre-Purim BBQ day three.”
Members of Jewish National Fund-USA's Brotherhood Mission to Israel organizing support packages (photo courtesy of Michael Segal)
Beyond the unexpected circumstances, Segal emphasized what made the experience so meaningful: showing up for the people of Israel. “It’s one thing to simply write a check and move on with your life. It’s another to see how these funds are used in such a meaningful way and experience the impact JNF has within Israel. It’s life-changing.”
Despite the different areas of Israel they visited, Iles, Isaacs, and Segal all agree: their travel experience with Jewish National Fund-USA was transformative. They each returned to Naples not only with lasting memories, but with a renewed sense of purpose—committed to sharing their experiences, strengthening the community’s connection to Israel, and inspiring others to see the impact of Jewish National Fund-USA firsthand.
For more information about missions or to learn about how to get involved with Jewish National Fund-USA, visit jnf.org or contact Joshua Mellits, Western Florida Director, at jmellits@jnf.org or 941-462-1330 x865.
To find your Jewish National Fund-USA trip or mission, visit jnf.org/travel.
To commit to traveling in the future, visit jnf.org/travelpledge.
To make a philanthropic contribution to the land and people of Israel, visit jnf.org/israelstrong.
