Robinson Report—August 2026
Dear Friends,
On my latest trip to Israel, I was reminded once again of something Jewish National Fund‑USA has believed for 125 years: incredible things happen when people share a vision.
Israel is not simply a place we visit. It is the realization of hopes and dreams carried by generations before us. Walking the land, meeting communities, and witnessing growth across the country, I saw again what the pioneers, visionaries, and believers saw. People like Theodor Herzl, my great-grandfather, and countless others who dared to dream of a thriving Jewish homeland when many believed it was impossible.
They saw possibility where others saw obstacles. They believed in a future they might never personally experience. Today, we have the privilege of living in the very adventure they imagined.
Whether it is a donor making a gift for generations yet to come, a mayor looking beyond the borders of a single community, or leaders gathering to imagine what is possible for an entire region, I continue to be inspired by people who understand a simple truth: Israel's future is built by all of us, together.
We are blessed to stand where our predecessors once stood in faith, carrying forward their dreams while creating new opportunities for generations who will follow us.
In this Robinson Report, I want you to meet some of the remarkable individuals who are coming together for the land and people of Israel, continuing a journey began long before us and filled with possibility for those who come after us.
Together, we are not only witnessing history. We are helping write its next chapter.
Imagining a Future for the Ages
At 92 years old, Shirley Levitt had a vision.
In 2007, almost no one lived in the desert village of Carmit in Israel’s South. Yet, Shirley dedicated a generous fund in her estate to building a synagogue there. Her reasoning: “One day, when children grow up in this area, and they will write the next chapter of Israel’s story. They need something to believe in.”
Several weeks ago, I visited Carmit for the first time since the pandemic to check on our progress in Israel’s South. It was that eye-opening moment that I realized that Shirley’s statement didn’t just refer to "belief” in the spiritual sense.
She saw a place where parents, children, grandparents, and more could have a beautiful place to gather. Where they have a community that they can rely on for strength and support. And in the Negev desert, where major population centers are hours away, that support is more than just one building. It’s a way of life.
Even though she wasn’t able to see the finished result of her gift, Shirley saw that the future was bright in Carmit. Today, not only was the synagogue thriving in the middle of the desert, but around it was a growing neighborhood complete with homes and parks. Wow!
When we talk about our circles of impact, this is what it looks like. Our philanthropic investments in infrastructure create a ripple effect that get us closer to achieving our mission of attracting 500,000 new residents to Israel’s South.
To learn more about ways to leave your legacy this National Make-A-Will Month, learn more about our Planned Giving resources, subscribe to our Where There’s a Will newsletter, or request a free estate planning guide.
Connection in the South
Recently, we welcomed mayors and regional council heads from across the Negev for a special dinner in Be'er Sheva to connect and discuss what we want the future of the region to be. Looking around the room, I expected each leader to spend the evening advocating for their own community.
But that isn't what happened.
For nearly three hours, I listened as these leaders spoke not about what they could do for their own towns, but about what they could do together for the entire South of Israel. They shared ideas, explored partnerships, discussed economic development, education, tourism, and ways to attract more families to the region. Every conversation centered on a common goal: building a stronger, more resilient future for Israel.
As I listened, I realized I was witnessing something uniquely Israeli. These leaders understood that the success of one community depends on the success of its neighbors. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, build new relationships, and reaffirm our shared commitment to creating a stronger, more resilient future for southern Israel.
Before the evening came to a close, the mayors asked me to share one simple message with all of you: thank you. They know that none of this collaboration would be possible without the partnership of more than 600,000 Jewish National Fund-USA supporters who believe, just as they do, that investing in communities today creates a stronger Israel for generations to come.
As we continue building that future together, I hope you'll help us grow to One Million Voices for Israel. Because when we unite, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
A Gathering in the Galilee
I had the privilege of hosting entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local officials at the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF), featuring the Rosenfield School of Culinary Arts, to discuss the progress of both our institution and the general growth across Israel’s North.
As I looked around the room, I was reminded that GCI by JNF was never intended to be just another culinary school. From the very beginning, we envisioned it as an economic engine for the North and a place that would attract investment, create careers, inspire entrepreneurship, grow tourism, and encourage more people to live, work, and raise their families in the Galilee.
As a colleague so perfectly said in their remarks at GCI by JNF, "This vision was never just about a culinary institute. It's about creating another reason for people to choose the Galilee—to live here, work here, study here, build their future here, and raise their families here."
That is exactly what Jewish National Fund-USA strives to do every day.
Years from now, visitors may come to GCI by JNF to enjoy an extraordinary meal, students may come to launch exciting careers, and families may choose to build their futures there. What they may never see are the conversations, collaborations, and partnerships that made it all possible.
That's the true power of Jewish National Fund-USA. We don't just do initiatives, we do vision. And we continue to build the places that bring people together to build a brighter future for Israel.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we must continue committing ourselves to the values that shape the land and people of Israel’s future.
The stories I’ve shared with you all point to the same truth: when people come together around a shared purpose, extraordinary things happen. Communities grow. Dreams become reality. And Israel becomes stronger for generations to come.
Continue to build, inspire, and invest in the land and people of Israel. Help us grow to One Million Voices for Israel, and write the next chapter of Israel's story.
As always, feel free to connect with me at CEO@jnf.org.
Sincerely,
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer, Jewish National Fund-USA
P.S. Places for our Global Conference for Israel are filling fast. Past years have SOLD OUT! Don’t miss your chance. Register today at jnf.org/global and be a part of the largest annual gathering of Zionists in the United States.