MARLBORO, N.J., July 20, 2026 — Female philanthropists from across Central New Jersey recently united at the Marlboro Jewish Center for "She Stands Strong,” the second annual Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel reception for Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.
From left to right: Anna Milstein, Cyndi Kleinbart, Phyllis Solomon, Anne Kroll
The event was led by Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel co-chairs of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties Cyndi Kleinbart and Phyllis Chancy Solomon. Their vision was to engage and inspire women from across Central New Jersey who care deeply about Israel, and that vision was reflected throughout the evening as attendees connected through a shared commitment to changing lives in Israel’s North and South.
The reception also highlighted the dedication of Barbra London, President of Jewish National Fund-USA's Central New Jersey Board of Directors, and Anne Kroll, Chair of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, whose ongoing leadership has helped build a vibrant Women for Israel community throughout the region.
“Since October 7, I’ve had the privilege of helping lead campaigns right here in Monmouth and Middlesex counties,” said Kroll. “Together, we dedicated two bomb shelters to protect our brothers and sisters living in communities on the Gaza border, supported a new trauma center being built in the Negev, and are close to completing a campaign for a classroom in a new nursery school that is bomb-proof. Those aren’t just projects. They are choices brought to life.”
Longtime Central New Jersey community leader Anna Millstein, who was recently promoted to Jewish National Fund-USA Associate Executive Director, Central NJ, moderated an inspiring conversation with featured speaker Major Hila Ahraak-Cohen, Ret., whose remarkable journey highlights the important role women play in leadership within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and beyond.
From left to right: Cyndi Kleinbart, Anna Milstein, Hila Ahraak-Cohen, Anne Kroll, Barbra London
Ahraak-Cohen was among the first women to attain the rank of major in the IDF, where she commanded elite teams within the IDF’s renowned Unit 8200 and led complex technology, communications, and cybersecurity initiatives supporting Israel’s most sensitive missions.
Anna Millstein (left) interviewing Hila Ahraak-Cohen (right).
Ahraak-Cohen's experiences also underscored the importance of supporting Israel's soldiers. Jewish National Fund-USA provides that support through a range of initiatives, including assisting lone soldiers who make aliyah (immigration to Israel), providing care for wounded soldiers at a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported rehabilitation village in Israel's South, empowering soldiers with disabilities to proudly serve their country, and organizing and delivering Israel Support Packages to soldiers.
The event also reflected the continued growth of Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel in Central New Jersey, where a growing steering committee is engaging female philanthropists through meaningful opportunities to connect, lead, volunteer, and make an impact. Attendees were encouraged to help build on that momentum by joining the steering committee, participating in a Jewish National Fund-USA mission to Israel, attending the organization's Global Conference for Israel in San Diego this November, and deepening their philanthropic commitment to secure Israel’s future.
For more information about Women for Israel or to learn about future events in Central New Jersey, contact Anna Millstein at amillstein@jnf.org or 973.593.0095 x826.
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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.
