Robinson Report—July 2026

Dear Friends,

One of the great privileges of my job is spending time with young people as they build a connection to the land and people of Israel. Some arrive with a deep understanding of the Jewish homeland and a strong sense of Jewish identity. Others come with questions, curiosity, and even uncertainty.

But what inspires me most is that their curiosity and uncertainty are not weaknesses—they are signs of possibility, and they show me just how bright our future can be.

This is what Zionist engagement means at Jewish National Fund-USA: creating meaningful connections that inspire lifelong commitment and leadership. The results may not always be visible in a year, but they will be seen over the next generation and beyond, as the seeds we plant today grow into a stronger Jewish future and an enduring connection to land and people of Israel.

I am certain that among these young people are the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow. Read on to meet them!

The Future of Zionist Leadership

This summer, our JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission (JLIM) is coming home for a visit and experiencing Israel up close.

An invitation-only experience for members and leaders of JNFuture, JLIM brings together some of the brightest emerging Jewish leaders from across the United States for an immersive journey throughout the Jewish homeland. From the northern Galilee to the southern Negev desert, participants explore Israel's past, present, and future while deepening their own understanding of Zionism and what it means to play a role in the Jewish future.

As they traveled throughout the country witnessing Jewish National Fund-USA projects firsthand, these young professionals experienced Israel beyond the headlines. From visiting border communities in the Israel Envelope to volunteering with farmers in the Galilee, they are gaining firsthand insight into the innovation, resilience, and determination that define Israeli society while building meaningful relationships with the people leading its future.

Watching our JLIM participants engage with Israel reminds me why investing in young leadership remains one of our most important priorities. They return home with stronger connections, deeper understanding, and a renewed commitment to Jewish life, Zionism, and leadership.

If you want to deepen your connection to Israel and your Jewish community, join us! Jewish National Fund-USA offers missions to Israel for everyone, with experiences designed for young adults ages 22–34, professionals in their 30s and 40s, solo travelers, and couples. These journeys are built around a simple but powerful idea: Connect to Israel. Connect to Purpose. Connect to Your People.

And if a mission isn’t your next step, join us at our Global Conference for Israel, where the future of Zionist leadership is already taking shape. Nearly 40% of conference participants are under the age of 40—a powerful sign that the next generation is stepping forward with passion, vision, and commitment.

Whether through a mission to Israel, JNFuture, or our Global Conference for Israel, there has never been a better time to get involved.

Zionism for Every Interest

One of the things that excites me most about our Muss participants is that they come to Israel with different interests, different talents, and different ways of engaging with the world.

Some are drawn to history. Others are inspired by innovation and entrepreneurship. Some connect through volunteering and service. Others find meaning through adventure, culture, and relationships. The beauty of our study abroad in Israel experience is that there is truly something for everyone, and each participant can discover their own personal connection to the land and people of Israel.

Some students spent the week exploring the ancient caves of Burgin National Park, visited Mount Herzl where teachers shared personal stories from their Israel Defense Forces (IDF) service, and ventured into the Negev Desert for jeep rides. Another group visited Sderot, where they heard firsthand accounts from Nova Festival survivors about October 7, and a third participated in an NYU session on the art of experimentation, learning how creativity, adaptability, and innovation drive successful leaders.

Every single student, no matter their interest, is experiencing an unforgettable summer in Israel, developing leadership skills, building friendships that will last a lifetime, and becoming more confident in themselves and their Zionist identities.

That’s the magic of Muss! It creates opportunities for every participant to find their own doorway into Zionism—not through lectures or slogans, but through experiences, friendships, service, history, innovation, and adventure. The result is a connection that is authentic, personal, and enduring.

Refer a teen to Muss here.

Welcome to Our Summer Interns

One of my favorite signs of summer is welcoming a new group of college interns into the Jewish National Fund-USA family.

Each of these interns is a natural leader on their college campuses, from actively participating in Chabad and Hillel to being an organizer of a university dance-a-thon. That leadership shines through in the incredible support they provide to their departments.

Every conversation, every project, and every opportunity to contribute helps prepare these young adults to become advocates, professionals, and community leaders. Each intern brings fresh perspectives, thoughtful questions, and an incredible commitment to making a difference to the organization. Most importantly, they become part of something bigger than themselves. They see how ideas become action, how partnerships create impact, and how individuals can play a meaningful role in shaping the future of the Jewish homeland.

You can learn more about each of our interns here!

Step Up for Israel!

Today, young adults are desperately searching for meaningful ways to make a difference. Our new Israel Leadership and Service Cohort offers them exactly that.

Now in its first year, this is an immersive eight-month program that empowers adults to live, learn, and lead in Israel while making a meaningful difference in communities across the country. Based at our new, state-of-the-art Muss campus in Be'er Sheva, members of this cohort will teach English, volunteer with local organizations, and gain the skills that will make them tomorrow’s leaders.

Designed for people ages 18-30, the program combines hands-on service, Israel education, career development, travel, and community living. Through meaningful relationships and real-world experiences, participants strengthen their connection to Israel while developing the skills and perspective to become the next generation of Jewish and Zionist leaders. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see some of our interns there in the future!

We can’t wait to see what the first cohort will do!

Learn more about ILSC here.

Follow the Fun on TikTok

Jewish National Fund-USA is now on TikTok! Get a glimpse at all we have to offer and don’t miss out on the fun! @jnfusa.

As I spend time with the next generation of young people, I find myself increasingly optimistic about the future.

These leaders are not connecting to Israel because someone told them they should. They are connecting because they want to share in the leadership, education, and purpose that can only come from firsthand experiences.

What gives me confidence is that all of these people are choosing to engage. Their curiosity, their passion, and their willingness to lead show me just how bright our future will be. The accomplishments of these young leaders may not always be measured in the next year, but they will be seen for decades to come.

This is our broader vision in action: cultivating the next generation of leaders who will strengthen Israel and inspire others. Every young person who engages with Jewish National Fund-USA is an investment in the future of Zionism. A future defined by enthusiastic, passionate people who build meaningful relationships with Israel and carry those experiences forward into their communities, careers, and lives.

And after spending time with these remarkable individuals, I can say with confidence: the future is in very good hands.

As always, feel free to connect with me at CEO@jnf.org.

Sincerely,

Russell F. Robinson

Chief Executive Officer, Jewish National Fund-USA