Robinson Report—April 2026
Dear Friends,
Earlier this month, as we gathered around our Passover tables and retold the story of our oppression in and freedom from Egypt, our brothers and sisters in Israel were witnessing today’s oppression firsthand. Missile attacks from the Iranian regime and Hezbollah interrupted Seders with sirens and, in some cases, forced families and friends to reschedule their festivities.
Today, we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. While our enemies may try to stop our celebrations again and disrupt daily life, Jewish National Fund-USA stops at nothing to protect and support the land and people of Israel. We were there yesterday, we are there today, and we will be there forever—on the ground right beside the people of Israel.
Taking Shelter Where It’s Needed Most
Reporting near Kfar Giladi on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, CNN’s Jim Sciutto and community leader Nisan Zeevi were in the middle of an interview when a siren sounded. Luckily, they were just feet away from a Jewish National Fund-USA bomb shelter, where they quickly ran to safety.
Jewish National Fund-USA continues to be at the forefront of providing bomb shelters, and the numbers speak for themselves. Shelters have been donated to the Upper Galilee Regional Counsel in the Golan Heights, and an Emergency Response Center is in use every day in Kiryat Shmona. In the South, 16 shelters in the Israel Envelope are now open to be used by the community, with even more on the way.
More than just protection, our bomb shelters also provide a personal connection. Several years ago, my children and I—Aly, Sam, and his wife Shelby—donated one in honor of my wife Marci’s birthday. It was adorned with a reproduction of a drawing by her late father. Not only is this shelter protecting communities today, it is an important and personal piece of family connection.
Shelters like the ones in Kfar Giladi are critical, and so is your support. Thank you to the 657,000 donors (partners) of our campaign. Join us and help us move towards One Million Voices for Israel. Make your gift today: jnf.org/israelstrong.
Read more about our shelter protecting Jim Sciutto’s team here.
A Special Ceremony
I recently attended a special salute event in Israel honoring Special in Uniform’s 13th anniversary—their Bar Mitzvah! This transformative program, supported by Jewish National Fund-USA, integrates young adults of military age into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), pairing them with programs and units that allows them to utilize their strengths.
It was an honor to stand alongside the men and women who show incredible strength and resilience while defending the state of Israel. With inspiring stories of triumph, a special musical performance, and even dancing, these soldiers took the stage with immense pride in their ability to give back to their country. The joy in the air was something I will never forget.
That is the core of Jewish National Fund-USA. We believe in the ability of all individuals to contribute to a vital part of Israeli society, and we were determined to give them the opportunity of a lifetime.
You can contribute to these soldiers’ success. By “adopting” a unit and empowering a group of soldiers to grow independently, or by forging a special relationship with an individual soldier by sponsoring them, you can continue changing the lives of the individuals who are the future of the IDF.
"Adopt” a unit here.
“Adopt” a soldier here.
Watch a recap of the salute event here.
Reading B’yachad Together
Our most recent issue of “B’yachad” hit mailboxes this past month in honor of our 125th anniversary.
“B’yachad” means “together” in Hebrew, and that spirit comes across in every single issue, distributed to over 650,000 households. Not only can you read about our latest circles of impact and the stories of people benefiting from our work, you can also see highlights from the incredible donors and partners who make it all happen. Because this magazine unites us in purpose and celebrates all of us coming together for the land and people of Israel.
“B’yachad” creates the conversations we love to have as proud Zionists. Hold it in your hands, read it, be inspired, and feel free to tell me what you think.
Didn’t receive your copy, or know a friend who would love to get their hands on a copy? Contact me at ceo@jnf.org.
Read this issue of “B’yachad” and all previous ones online here.
A Safe Place to Learn, Tomorrow and Always
Our campus at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), the premier study abroad high school experience, welcomed a new, unexpected cohort this past month.
Moledet, an elementary school in Be’er Sheva, was hit by a missile launched from Iran. The school serves approximately 340 students, including around 30 who have hearing impairments, and many students’ families also suffered damage to their homes from the attack.
Jewish National Fund-USA provided a solution.
While their school is being rebuilt and restored, the students were able to continue learning at our Muss South campus, which is providing these children with safe and uninterrupted learning.
This critical support highlighted the importance of our partnership in times of crisis, emphasizing the strength and solidarity unique to the Jewish nation that allows for normalcy in the face of adversity.
Muss will soon welcome its next cohort of North American high school students, continuing our mission of Zionist engagement and creating the next generation of informed Israel supporters.
Learn more about Muss or send us a lead for a student here.
Commit to Traveling to Israel
With Israel’s borders on the edge of reopening, remember the family and come home for a visit.
With new tours and missions for all, everyone will find something to love. Hidden gems, famous sites, and unforgettable experiences are at your fingertips.
We are looking for 100,000 people to commit to traveling to Israel, whether by yourself, with your community, or with your congregation.
Say it to the world—we believe in Israel! Make your commitment to travel to Israel today and get a friend to join you: jnf.org/travelpledge.
Spread the Light
You can keep our story going by joining Shabbat for Israel on April 24, as thousands of proud and resilient Zionists around the world come together in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Whether you’re hosting, attending, or simply celebrating in your own way, we invite you to be part of this powerful moment of unity.
If you’re participating, share your experience, your table, your candles, and your traditions, using #ShabbatForIsrael and #PoweredByJNF, and tag @jnfusa.
As we prepare to honor the miraculous independence of the modern State of Israel, we will continue to raise our voices, stronger and louder, for whatever comes next. We are one.
If you haven’t yet signed up to be a host for Shabbat for Israel, there’s still time: shabbatforisrael.jnf.org
Sing along to our song “Make a Change” and keep the spirit alive for the land and people of Israel.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or feedback at CEO@jnf.org. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!
Warm regards,
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund-USA