Robinson Report—April 2024

Our enemies thought people would never move back to the communities on Israel’s frontiers. They were wrong. Our Zionist movement represents the ultimate comeback story, propelled by our winning spirit. The following is from our dear friend and colleague Michal Uziyahu, who lives on the border with Gaza:

"On Rosh Hashana 5780, just a little over half a year ago, we had such big dreams, dreams that would create winds of change. We believed with all our heart that we had the power to lead Eshkol to a great future. We looked right and left and realized that we lived among the best people.

"We lost so much on October 7. I still can't comprehend the magnitude of our loss. Some of our best people, our best friends, my children’s friends, my best friends, we will never hug again or cry or laugh with together, but their spirit will continue to lead and accompany us.

"My dreams and determination have only gotten stronger. We will rise from this moment. Even if the road is rough and very painful, we will build a better and stronger region. No one will break us; no one will break our spirit. We choose life!” (pictured here L-R: Aviv Noble, z”l, Lior Ben Yaakov, z”l, Eran Ben Ari, and Shmulik Moshe).

Let us take her lead.

As I write this, our 10th volunteer mission is in Israel, providing hands-on support to our beloved friends from communities across the Israel Envelope and the Galilee. The participants are not just volunteering; they are building back communities on the border with Gaza and helping people move back home! These are life-changing experiences that you should all take advantage of. I encourage you all to sign up – we have these missions scheduled through December. Go to jnf.org/volunteeril and register today.

But here’s what I want to share. These missions require much planning and our team in Israel meets with every community to see what the needs are – short- and long-term – to determine what JNF-USA’s role will look like. We’ve already worked hard on several moshavim and kibbutzim enabling many residents to move back.

In preparation for our work this week at Moshav Mivtachim—one that was infiltrated on October 7 and where 5 people murdered – we sat with them to come up with a plan. The head of the community turned to us and said: “You know a lot of people have come here and heard our story and the story of my two nephews who were killed, one of whom had a baby boy 2 weeks later. Everyone cried. How could they not? But Jewish National Fund-USA is the first to come back. And come back again and again. And next week you are bringing 400 people to help us. We have no words for how that makes us feel.”

More on the relationship between Diaspora Jews and Israel. In a recent report, “The Closeness to the Diaspora Index,” the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs presented research that indicates that the bond between Israeli Jews and Diaspora Jews has strengthened following October 7: 67% of Israelis feel a sense of fellowship with Diaspora Jews and 76% of Israelis feel a shared destiny with Diaspora Jews.

Said Avi Cohen Scali, Director General of the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and the Fight Against Antisemitism: "In the most difficult moments, when the people of Israel are fighting for their existence, Israelis feel they are not alone in this battle – our brothers and sisters overseas stand behind us, our futures intertwined."

We see this relationship grow stronger by the day. We see it in our teens -- who are volunteering and learning -- when they return from their transformative experience at our Alexander Muss High School in Israel, in the faculty who participates in our unique program Faculty Fellowship to Israel, in the fastest growing segment of our database, our JNFutures (for ages 22-40), in the attendance at our events, and in our record-breaking campaign. That gives me cause for optimism.

Yet another reason to think positively. On March 17, Emanuel Olgin and seven other young people with disabilities were inducted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as Special in Uniform soldiers. Among the onlookers: Her twin sister Maayan, who serves in the IDF’s medical corps.

Born prematurely, the girls grew up differently owing to Emanuel’s disabilities. Upon turning 16, they simultaneously received letters from the IDF. Maayan’s was an order for military service; Emanuel’s a military exemption. Emanuel desperately wanted to join the IDF; Maayan’s heart ached for her.

A Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate, Special in Uniform believes everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential. Focusing on each individual’s unique talent, the program emphasizes abilities instead of disabilities and finds ways for young people with disabilities to be integrated into the IDF. The IDF is the only military in the world that integrates soldiers with special needs and disabilities.

Soldiers undergo extensive training, including a focus on life skills and independence. In February, the 1,000th SIU soldier was inducted with great fanfare. Emanuel and her fellow SIU soldiers will face steep challenges throughout life. But now, they too, can fulfill their potential and fly.

And Finally…

My dear colleague Diane Scar, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Major Gifts National Campaign Director, and her husband, Cliff Faber, were interviewed on NBC in Baltimore about their recent volunteer mission experience.   www.wbaltv.com/article/war-volunteering-gaza-israel-bomb-shelters-donations-medical-news/60417341

Diane told me that the next day she was running errands and was stopped by a local non-Jewish shop owner saying he saw the interview. They talked for a while, and then he asked her to wait for two minutes. When he returned, he handed her a check for 100 dollars with lots of tears!

If you have a contact in TV, radio, the print media, or know a podcast host, let us know! Let’s share our message of winning, of coming home, and of optimism as far and wide as we can.

And Now This...

Our Build Together plan extends beyond the Israel Envelope with a path to Be’er Sheva and the development of the World Zionist Village. As a gathering place for the Jewish nation the world over, the World Zionist Village is emerging as a beacon of light and hope for the future of Zionism. A centerpiece will be the first and only Zionist Cultural Heritage Center that celebrates and bridges the diversity of our Jewish people. It will inspire innovation and conversation and connect us to our homeland with resilience and pride. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

And so, my friends, as we ready our homes for Passover, I wish for all of Israel and the Jewish People the ability to be free and secure in our homeland. From my home to yours, Happy Passover.

Thank you for all you do for the land and people of Israel. Please reach out to me with comments, ideas, and suggestions at ceo@jnf.org.

Am Yisrael Chai – The People of Israel Live!

Russell F. Robinson