CINCINNATI, December 9, 2025 — Four hundred Ohio Valley philanthropists, friends, and family of Jewish National Fund-USA's Tree of Life® Award recipients Shelly Gerson, Jeffrey Zipkin, and Dr. William L. Barrett, gathered at Cincinnati Music Hall on November 12, 2025, to honor the trio — where they recommitted to creating a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel. Several prominent local government officials were also in attendance, including Secretary of State Frank LaRosa, the Honorable J. Kenneth Blackwell, the Honorable Michael Barrett, and Clayton City Council Member Kenny Henning.
As one of Jewish National Fund-USA's highest honors, the Tree of Life Award® is bestowed to a select group of individuals for their exceptional contribution to the Jewish community and the land and people of Israel. The humanitarian award recognizes outstanding community involvement, professional leadership, and dedication to the cause of American-Israeli friendship with the devotion to peace and the security of human life.
Upon accepting their awards, Gerson and Zipkin shared meaningful remarks about their years of involvement with Jewish National Fund-USA and how the organization continues to inspire their lifelong Zionist identity.
“Jewish National Fund-USA is the Zionist version of a Venture Capital Company,” said Gerson. “The organization does not determine what is best for Israel from the outside. Instead, using the philosophy that the people of Israel have the best perspective on their needs, Jewish National Fund-USA strategically invests alongside local communities and organizations in innovative projects which strengthen the whole of society.”
“We are grateful to be in a position to help the Jewish people and to play a small part in securing Israel’s future,” added Zipkin. “After all, Israel’s future is critical to our own future and to the future of our children and their children.”
The event was chaired by Ari Levi and Alana Gerson-Levi, a proud third-generation Jewish National Fund-USA partner (donor) and Gerson’s daughter.
“I remember my first donation to Jewish National Fund-USA in 2015, just before a young professionals JNFuture trip to Israel,” said Gerson-Levi. “That year, I personally donated $360 to join at the JNFuture Sabra level. Since then, I’ve increased that gift every year. It’s empowering to know that no matter the amount, my contribution supports Israel in a meaningful way and that I have the opportunity to see what was created. On that trip, and many since, I’ve seen Jewish National Fund-USA's vision come to life.”
Jewish National Fund-USA's Ohio Valley Board President Barb Miller added, “At Jewish National Fund-USA we are building homes for the families in Israel's North and South who were forced to flee after October 7. We are helping farmers return to their land. We are restoring playgrounds, schools, and bomb shelters. We are building resilience centers for so many people who suffer from ongoing trauma. This is what it means to be part of Jewish National Fund-USA. To plant hope when others sow doubt. To believe in tomorrow even when the world stops believing in us.”
The event also featured a keynote speech by veteran Israeli diplomat Shahar Azani, a passionate advocate for Israel and a frequent contributor to various media outlets focusing on Israel, Jewish issues and the Middle East.
For more information or to learn about upcoming events, contact Eric Goldstein, Executive Director, Ohio Valley egoldstein.cinci@jnf.org or 513.794.1300 x780.
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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.