NEW YORK, February 11, 2026 — 100 tri-state young professionals united on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Ronald S. Lauder JNF House for JNFuture’s “Tu BiShvat in the City” event to celebrate “the original Earth Day” and build a strong and vibrant future for the land and people of Israel.
The annual soirée hosted by JNFuture, Jewish National Fund-USA’s community of young philanthropists ages 22–40, connects Zionists who are passionate about changing lives in Israel’s North and South, while spotlighting Jewish National Fund-USA’s environmental impact, including the planting of more than 260 million trees across the Jewish homeland.
Lay leaders also highlighted how the organization’s mission aligns with Tu BiShvat’s timeless themes of rebirth, resilience, and generational responsibility.
Josh Goodkin, JNFuture Tri-state Board Member; Rob Bernton, JNFuture Tri-state Board Member; Shawn Shirian
“Tonight, we’re not just celebrating Tu BiShvat; we’re celebrating growth, renewal, and the next generation stepping up to help shape and protect the future of Israel,” said Tri-state JNFuture President Rachel Firestone. “And that’s exactly what JNFuture represents – building a strong foundation for the next generation of Israel support by creating leadership, community, and long-term commitment to the land and people of Israel. And like anything meant to last, it starts with strong roots.”
The event was co-chaired by Olivia Cohen and Jamie Feinman, who discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA secures Israel's future by creating the most livable towns and cities in the country's North and South to attract 800,000 new residents through jobs, economic, emotional, and strong partnerships, and Zionist engagement. The organization also invests in critical mental health services, deploys hundreds of bomb shelters, funds Israel’s Fire and Rescue services, and links learning, travel, and leadership so youth, families, and adults stay connected to the land and people of Israel from generation to generation.
Olivia Cohen addresses the audience
“Rather than isolated initiatives, Jewish National Fund-USA designs programs that build on each other,” said Feinman. “Each investment — whether in Zionist education, employment, resilience, or community building — amplifies the next, creating circles of impact and cascading positive effects across Israel that attract families to the country’s frontier regions.”
Cohen reflected on what inspired her to get involved with JNFuture, citing Jewish National Fund-USA’s ability to make an immediate, on-the-ground impact. “From planting trees and creating water solutions, to supporting entrepreneurs and communities in the Negev and Galilee, Jewish National Fund-USA has been there at every stage of Israel’s development for 125 years.”
JNFuture is Jewish National Fund-USA’s fastest-growing donor demographic among young Jewish professionals who support the land and people of Israel. JNFuture hosts regular events across the U.S. and offers travel and tours to Israel. To learn more visit jnf.org/jnfuture.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in the tri-state area, visit jnf.org or contact Genevieve Rossi at grossi@jnf.org.
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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.
