I’ve just returned from two deeply moving days in Israel’s North, and I can confidently say that once again, this region will be referred to in the same way people use “Tuscany” or the “Napa Valley” to describe a location’s beauty.
Much of my time was spent focusing on our soon-to-open Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI). Here, our delegation was given a glimpse into what the future holds for Israel’s North. I left not only inspired but energized by what’s taking root.
What I saw wasn’t just buildings going up. I saw a community’s future rising.
Even before its official opening, GCI is quickly becoming a beacon of hope and excitement. At first glance, yes—it will be a world-class culinary destination. However, look again and you’ll see something far more important – what we refer to as our “circles of impact:”
● Jobs are coming to the region—real, meaningful employment that anchors families and futures.
● Community is forming around shared meals, dreams, and purpose.
● Healing is happening. I heard stories of how cooking—yes, the simple act of preparing food—offers peace to those grappling with PTSD, something far too common in this corner of the world.
● Innovation and entrepreneurship will abound.
And this is just the beginning.
We’ve also partnered with MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, a leading local research institute, to oversee GCI’s agricultural farm, helping students understand the whole farm-to-table experience. Imagine culinary students learning how to grow the produce that they will hand-pick and that they’ll later transform into gourmet cuisine—guided not just by chefs but by scientists, nutritionists, and more.
With the research institute now serving as Tel Hai College's R&D arm, a powerful new academic fusion is forming. GCI students will be able to take courses at Tel Hai—and vice versa—merging food science and food art into an academic and culinary powerhouse.
The Galilee: Reimagined and Reinvigorated
Beyond GCI, our team visited communities and met with incredible people whose stories echo a similar theme: rebirth and reimagination.
We met with the leaders of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Western Galilee Now (WGN) small business association, which has become the region’s economic lifeline. Despite the war, their resilience was unwavering. Due to the thousands of Jewish National Fund-USA care packages for soldiers, evacuees, and survivors prepared by WGN, these businesses will soon be thriving again.
While visiting a local kibbutz, we stood inside its new Emergency Response Center, made possible by our philanthropic investments, and felt the determination of a community preparing for its residents' return and a bigger, bolder future.
We walked the halls (still under construction) of the Robert and Gale C. Kares Kiryat Shmona Medical Center, where cutting-edge care will soon be available to residents—emergency medicine, women’s health, baby wellness, advanced imaging—all in a safe, fortified, state-of-the-art facility. As several local leaders said, this isn’t just a medical center - It’s a regional game changer.
We also sat down with regional leaders and our partners, dreaming together of a future built on cooperation, opportunity, and growth. From job creation to educational advancement, we’re not just responding to challenges—we’re writing the next chapter.
A Shelter, A Farm, A Family
One of the most touching moments came when we visited Dor Pintel, a farmer from the North. During the war, Jewish National Fund-USA helped install a bomb shelter on his farm. That one act gave him the security to dream again—and now he’s expanding. But his story doesn’t end there: once Dor put down roots, his whole family followed.
One farm. One shelter. And just another example of the “ripples of return” created through our circles of impact.
The Future Is Bright—Because We Are Building It
Every visit I make to Israel deepens my belief in the power of purpose. Despite the headlines, the challenges, and the sorrow that sometimes feels too heavy to carry, there is hope here. You can hear it in the laughter of local children, taste it in the herbs grown at GCI, and see it in the wide eyes of students eager to learn and lead.
Jewish National Fund-USA is not just building infrastructure—we’re building possibility. We’re not just helping communities rebuild—we’re helping them reimagine.
And as I witnessed firsthand, this isn’t just the rebirth of a region – it’s a total reimagination.
To support rebuilding efforts in Israel’s North and South, visit jnf.org/supportisrael
Deb Lust Zaluda is President of Jewish National Fund-USA
