Robinson Report—February 2026
Dear Friends,
I recently returned from my third trip to Israel this year, where I participated in our Circles of Impact Mega Mission. However, we were not there as tourists. It was a week dedicated to planning sessions, updates, and celebrations with communities in Israel’s North and South. Why? Because our “secret sauce” at Jewish National Fund-USA is that we don't visit Israel as mere spectators; we engage as active participants and vital stakeholders in the progress of a nation still under creation.
Our devoted philanthropic leaders sit at the table with the mayors, leaders, and people of Israel’s North and South. They meet the families. They stand in the fields. They help make decisions alongside those building their communities. They are partners in reimagining Israeli communities near the Gaza border and continuing Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion’s vision of a thriving Negev (in Israel’s South).
On this mission, we looked ahead to a new medical center coming to the western part in Israel’s North. We reviewed plans for a new conference center in Mitzpe Ramon. We dedicated a park in Yeruham in memory of one of our great leaders, Geri Shatz (z”l), whose strategic vision helped shape that city’s growth.
This is what makes Jewish National Fund-USA different. After 125 years, nobody knows Israel like we do — and nobody connects you to it more meaningfully than us.
The Sha’ar HaNegev Ofir Libstein Sports Complex
Sha’ar HaNegev is a regional council in Israel’s South, adjacent to the Gaza border — part of what is commonly called the “Israel Envelope,” the frontline communities that endured the horrific attacks of October 7.
There, rising from the desert, stands one of the premier sporting facilities in the Middle East—and only the third competition-grade soccer field ever built in Israel.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the dedication of the Sha’ar HaNegev Ofir Libstein Sports Complex, named after the region’s mayor and my dear friend, who was tragically murdered on October 7 along with his son and mother-in-law.
The complex was made possible through the generosity of many visionary partners (donors), including a major gift from World Chairman’s Council member Betsy Fischer and her husband, Peter.
Betsy’s connection to this region runs deep. Through her work in the Israel Envelope (formerly known as the Gaza Envelope), she built lasting relationships — including with the former mayor, Gadi Yarkoni, and many other residents.
In addition, I also want to acknowledge the philanthropic leadership of Mitch Frumkin, who helped rally support to bring this project across the finish line.
During the facility’s dedication, we commemorated Ofir’s legacy and mourned the loss of his son and his mother-in-law. We stood beside his surviving son and his widow — a moment that reminded us why this work matters.
This project began while Ofir was alive. After his murder, we made a double commitment: not only to complete the original vision, but to expand it into a full sports complex — with track and field facilities, stadium seating, and a jumbotron.
Soon, families will fill those stands. Children will run that track. Life will continue — strong, determined, Israeli life.
At the Resting Place of Vision
Many of our missions include a visit to the resting place of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, in Ramat HaNegev (in Israel’s South). Standing there, overlooking the vast expanse of the desert, you feel the audacity of his dream — to populate the Negev and secure Israel’s future in the South.
As we toured new housing development sites made possible through our Housing Development Fund — with 300 additional units under construction — someone asked me: What would Ben-Gurion think if he looked over the horizon today and saw the growth? The new communities? The expansion of Be’er Sheva? The cranes in the sky?
I can only imagine he would be smiling.
We were also joined by Eran Doron, Mayor of Ramat HaNegev, whose steady leadership since October 7 has helped guide the region forward.
A Conversation with the President of Israel
We also met with President Isaac Herzog, who comes from a multigenerational Zionist family whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the story of the land of Israel.
Our discussion centered on our $350 million World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva — not just as a campus, but as a gathering place for Zionists from around the world. A place where religious and secular, Right and Left, Jewish and non-Jewish allies can come together around shared values and shared destiny.
One hundred years from now, people will ask whether we had the courage to build institutions that unify rather than divide. We intend to answer that question with action.
A Visit from a Champion
Olympic medalist and champion Israeli judoka Peter Paltchik visited us in Sha’ar HaNegev (in Israel’s South). Though he has retired from pursuing additional Olympic medals, he is now channeling his success into the next generation.
Peter is using both his platform and personal earnings to fund scholarships for young Israeli athletes—including youth from frontline communities — who dream of becoming champions themselves.
He spoke about resilience, pride, and discipline and I am proud to call him a friend of Jewish National Fund-USA.
Be’er Sheva: The Capital of the Negev
In Be’er Sheva, we met with Mayor Ruvik Danilovich to discuss the continued transformation of Israel’s fastest-growing city.
Because of the partnership between our philanthropic investments, the leadership of Mayor Danilovich, and the determination of Be’er Sheva’s residents, the city has grown from 190,000 to more than 257,000 people.
You can see our impact everywhere: the seven-mile riverwalk, the 35-acre lake, the 12,000-seat amphitheater, new housing developments, outdoor education initiatives, and leadership programs. This is not the work of one organization alone — it is an ecosystem of municipal leadership, private investment, and philanthropy aligned around a shared vision.
Fifteen years ago, the mayor said, “If you are with me, I am with you.” We have stood together ever since.
Our goal remains clear: to double the population of the Negev and continue building Be’er Sheva into a global city rooted in 3,600 years of Jewish history.
Remember the Family and Come Home For a Visit
And beyond this mission, we offer so many ways to come home: young adult trips, family missions, couples travel, sunshine missions for those 55+, culinary experiences, medical professional delegations leaving this May — and fully customized experiences built around your passions. Whatever your interest, we will design the journey so you can see — and support — the future of the land and people of Israel.
Shabbat for Israel — Invite Just One More Person
If you’ve asked yourself: What can I do for Israel? How can I stand up? How can I share the real story?
Here is your opportunity.
On April 24, host a Shabbat for Israel dinner. Invite friends. Invite neighbors. Invite someone who has asked you hard questions. Register, and we will send you a Shabbat for Israel box filled with products from Israel and conversation pieces to help guide the evening.
Make this one Shabbat each year, the Shabbat when Israel’s story is told — how Israel makes the world better, how we as Jewish people are connected to our soil, how hope endures.
It’s one more person who will understand. One more person who will know our reality. One more light added.
And when you share on Facebook or Instagram a photo of your Shabbat candles burning brightly — alongside thousands of others across America and in Israel — the world will see something simple and powerful:
We are one.
You Believed. We Delivered. Our 2025 Year in Review
Our inspiring 2025 Year in Review is now out. In a year where our circles of impact were felt by more Israelis than ever before, you were there with us.
Thanks to you, we raised $176 million in our last campaign year—nearly double our 10-year average—and almost $400 million since September 2023.
For 125 years, we have turned vision into reality. Over the past year, more than 2,300 housing lots were developed in the North and South, over 800 safe rooms are being built in the Israel Envelope, and 90% of displaced residents have returned home through coordinated rebuilding efforts. We added 210 fire trucks, built 350 bomb shelters, and are constructing 15 Emergency Response Centers to strengthen frontline communities.
Meanwhile, our Zionist engagement efforts are surging: 23,000 young people in the U.S. and 8,000 in Israel engaged in programs, with plans to grow Alexander Muss High School in Israel to 10,000 students annually by 2035. And rising in Be’er Sheva, our $350 million World Zionist Village promises to shape the future of global Zionism for generations.
I invite you to read our full 2025 Year in Review at jnf.org/yearinreview.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or feedback at CEO@jnf.org. I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm regards,
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund-USA