GALILEE, Israel, July 15, 2026 — Jewish National Fund-USA welcomed partners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, academic institutions, nonprofits, and media representatives from across northern Israel to the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF) for a landmark gathering focused on strengthening the region's future through collaboration and innovation.
Representatives from organizations including MIGAL, Tel-Hai College, Nefesh B'Nefesh, MAKOM, Adam V'Adama, the East Galilee Cluster, Upper Galilee Regional Council, Kiryat Shmona, the Golan Regional Council, Green Horizons, LOTEM, AgriFoodTech Valley, HaShomer, Wadi Attir, JVP, Margalit Startup City, Matzpinim, Beitarbut, and many others came together under one roof to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and partnerships that will shape the next chapter of northern Israel.
Opening the gathering, Jewish National Fund-USA Chief Executive Officer Russell F. Robinson shared the vision behind the GCI by JNF, not simply as a world-class culinary school, but as a catalyst for economic development, entrepreneurship, tourism, workforce growth, and regional innovation in Israel’s North. Designed to attract investment, cultivate talent, and strengthen the Galilee's economy, GCI by JNF is quickly becoming a place where ideas become action.
“The Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF will allow northern Israel to flourish,” said Robinson. “Every partnership we create builds stronger communities, better careers, thriving businesses, and a higher quality of life for everyone who calls the Galilee home. That's the future Jewish National Fund-USA is proud to help build.”
During the program, Jewish National Fund-USA Affiliate Relations Manager Sharon Engel Adam spoke about the importance of bringing together the region's diverse stakeholders—from government and academia to businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and local leadership—to move beyond individual initiatives and work toward a shared vision for northern Israel. By creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action, these gatherings help lay the foundation for meaningful, long-term regional growth.
“At the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF, we are seeing vision become reality despite everything this region has gone through over the past three years,” said Engel Adam. “This vision was never just about a culinary institute. It’s about creating another reason for people to choose the Galilee, creating reasons for people to live here, work here, study here, build their future here, and raise their families here.”
The event demonstrated how GCI by JNF has evolved from an educational institution to a central meeting place where leaders from across sectors can build relationships, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships needed to create lasting opportunities throughout the region.
Through initiatives like GCI by JNF, Jewish National Fund-USA is creating the infrastructure, partnerships, and opportunities needed to position northern Israel as a global center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth for generations to come.
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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.
