Woodbury, New York - May 5, 2026: Three hundred Long Island philanthropists gathered at Woodbury Jewish Center on April 28, 2026, to raise funds for Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic support of Israel’s Northern (Galilee) and Southern (Negev) communities. The annual “Water and Wine Gala” also spotlighted the organization’s role as the official fundraising body in the U.S. for Israel’s Fire & Rescue Authority. Rosemarie Klipper, President of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Long Island Board and the event’s emcee, lauded the community’s support, noting, “Last year, JNF Long Island raised $6.5 million out of the $174 million raised nationally. I am proud to report that 6 months into our fiscal year, we have already reached $5.7 million. Donors have responded generously and often to meet the increased needs of Israelis today.”
Klipper also acknowledged the efforts of the event’s chairs, Ilene and Jerry Herz, who played a leading role in uniting the local community.
jERRY AND ILENE HERZ
Klipper shared that her husband Mitchell’s grandparents, Molly and William Klipper, instilled in him a deep love for Israel and the Jewish community—so much so that their only international trip was to Israel.
Moments later, joined onstage by her husband, Klipper surprised attendees by announcing a $250,000 gift to fund a new fire truck in Israel through Jewish National Fund-USA.
Jewish National Fund-USA Long Island Director, Ashley Emrani
Jewish National Fund-USA supports Israel’s Fire & Rescue Authority as part of its strategic vision to attract 800,000 new residents to Israel’s North and South. By investing in emergency infrastructure, schools, parks, medical centers, innovation hubs, and other job-creating and economic development initiatives, the organization creates circles of impact that enable it to achieve its vision.
(L-R) Israel Fire & Rescue Commander Itzik Oz, VP, JNF-USA National Board of Directors, Sheryl Buchholtz, and JNF-USA Executive Director, Tri-State, Michael Feinman
Long Island community members were also honored during the evening, including Natalie Engelhardt Lazar, Vice President, Wealth Management at The Lily Group at Morgan Stanley, who received the 2026 JNFuture Young Leadership Award, and Woodbury Jewish Center Rabbi Jason Fruithandler, who received the inaugural Rabbis for Israel Award.
(L-R) rABBI JASON FRUITHANDLER, NATALIE ENGELHARDT LAZAR, AND COMMANDER ITZIK OZ
Capping off the evening was an emotional address by Itzik Oz, the Southern Commander of Israel’s Fire & Rescue Authority.
Oz noted that Israeli firefighters are forced to operate under fire—a reality few firefighters worldwide face. He reflected on the devastating loss of 10 firefighters under his command on October 7, murdered by Hamas.
Commander Itzik Oz addresses the audience
He also expressed his gratitude for the friendship and camaraderie shown to him by the many Long Island volunteer firefighters he met during his visits to local communities.
“I’m glad to be here among my friends, the firefighters of Long Island,” said Oz. “They are doing great work, and we remain united in our efforts to protect our communities. There’s nothing we cannot achieve.”
To contribute to Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2026 campaign, contact Ashley Emrani, Director of Long Island at aemrani@jnf.org or call 212-879-9305 x501. Gifts can also be made at jnf.org/donate.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA is building a strong and vibrant future for the land and people of Israel. Through its One Million Voices for Israel campaign, the organization unites supporters nationwide around its holistic approach to supporting individuals, families, communities, and regions in Israel's North and South, known as circles of impact. Leveraging its 125 years of impact, Jewish National Fund-USA is developing the most livable towns and cities in frontier communities to attract 800,000 new residents; creating a lifelong continuum of Zionist education through travel, learning, and leadership; and establishing the World Zionist Village in Be'er Sheva, a global hub for connection and peoplehood. With donor recognition and legacy giving at its core, supporters ensure their values and impact endure—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Learn more at jnf.org.
