Robinson Report—June 2025
Welcome to The Robinson Report, our exclusive monthly newsletter from me to you. Each edition is dedicated to sharing the pivotal updates and breaking news that define our work — a mission driven by your unwavering commitment to our land and people of Israel and Zionist engagement.
Dear Friends,
During moments of challenge, our people come together. After I finish writing this update to you, I will host a BBQ for Israelis unable to fly back to Israel. We don't know them, and they don't know us, yet we are one. We will embrace our shared peoplehood and talk about the bright future and common destiny the people of Israel and America share—B'yachad—together. Throughout this update, I want to highlight the "people element" that is so often lost during moments of crisis. We do what we do because of them.
“Behind Every Headline, There Is a Human Heart.”
The headlines are heart-stopping: Ballistic missiles fired from Iran. Air raid sirens from the Galilee to the Negev. Israel under attack. Headlines don’t tell our story. Behind every siren, every breaking news alert, every shaking camera broadcast from a bomb shelter—there is a person, a mother, a child, a family member. This is what drives us forward. We are for the people of Israel. Everything we do is about making their today better than yesterday, and their tomorrow even greater. At Jewish National Fund-USA, we stand with them, energized to succeed because we are united.
More Than an Emergency Response: A Lifeline Decades in the Making
In the moments after Iran’s missiles began to fall, I was asked: “Will Jewish National Fund‑USA need to develop new resources to respond?”
It’s a question we hear during times of crisis—and one that speaks volumes about the trust placed in us. As a leading philanthropic force for Israel and the Jewish people, we are expected to act swiftly, decisively, and impactfully.
And we do. Because we are built for moments like this.
Jewish National Fund‑USA has been strengthening Israel’s future for over 124 years—not just through bricks and mortar, but by building unwavering resilience in the people and communities we stand alongside. Our investments are tangible and transformative, from shelters to schools, infrastructure to inspiration.
During these challenging times, when our homeland is again thrust into the global spotlight, our proud partners—our dedicated donors—see clearly the size, scope, and soul of their impact. This is the power of our Circle of Impact: a ripple effect of hope, action, and enduring Zionist commitment.
Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority in Action
As the official fundraising partner in the U.S. for Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority, we ensure firefighters and rescue services have the tools they need. When an Iranian drone fell in the North and sparked a fire, our fire engine was first on the scene.
We have provided hundreds of bomb shelters across Israel’s vulnerable border communities—turning seconds into safety. Our volunteer network, deployed across the country, are the unseen heroes: running daycares for the children of emergency responders; delivering food and medicine to elderly citizens sheltering alone; providing a shoulder to lean on, a hot meal, a ride, a word of hope—whatever is needed, wherever it’s needed.
This is not a scramble. This is not chaos. This is community. This is Jewish National Fund‑USA.
Emergency Campaign: Yes. But We Were Ready Yesterday.
Our Israel Resilience Campaign needs your support now more than ever at jnf.org/israelstrong. But let’s be clear: We are not responding out of fear. We are responding out of readiness. Our vision, our infrastructure, our human networks—these were not built last week. They were built over decades of investment, strategy, and love for the land and people of Israel. And because we were there yesterday—we are here today. And we will be there tomorrow. Forever.
Rebuilding, Re-Energizing, and Recommitting to Zionism
In times of crisis, Jewish National Fund-USA doesn’t just respond—we lead while never losing sight of the future. As we support immediate on the ground needs, our Alexander Muss High School in Israel continues to plan for future classes of American high school students. With revitalized initiatives aimed at igniting their curiosity and connection to Zionism, and our land and people of Israel, this is just one element of how we’re planning for our people’s future.
This is our moment to turn lemons into lemonade.
In the wake of war and trauma, we must continue to rebuild with vision. We are responsible for ensuring that any young person in America who dreams of experiencing a long-term study abroad program in Israel can do so—regardless of their financial situation. This is not just a trip. It is a rite of passage, and it is the best way we can nurture their lifelong connection to our people’s story and create our community’s next leaders.
To this end, Jewish National Fund-USA is boldly recommitting to our $25 million Dream Israel Teen Travel Initiative—and challenging our supporters to match it. Together, we can raise $50 million and safeguard our future by ensuring every young person can experience studying abroad in Israel.
Heroes to Heroes
And let us not forget the unsung champions: the U.S. military veterans—non-Jewish allies—who were in Israel this past week as part of our “Heroes to Heroes” Program. Each year, the initiative takes Veterans with moral injury to see the real Israel for themselves. This year, several participants remained in Israel when the airspace closed. While they were able to leave via a land crossing, I know they can’t wait to return. Their stories—of healing from PTSD, of newfound strength drawn from our land and people of Israel—are a testament to our philanthropic investments in the future and bringing people together.
Giving with Confidence. Giving with Purpose.
There are many well-meaning initiatives taking place to help our family in Israel right now. However, for those who want their precious philanthropic dollars to go further and do more—they turn to the most trusted name in pro-Israel philanthropy: Jewish National Fund‑USA. Let this moment be one of resolve, not reaction. Let us not be moved by panic, but by purpose. Let us give generously—not because Israel is weak, but because Israel is strong—and because of all of us, our children, children’s children, and generations yet unborn will retell the story of how you stepped up and were there when our homeland needed us the most.
With gratitude, with courage, and always with our land and people of Israel,
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund-USA
To support our ongoing emergency efforts, please visit jnf.org/israelstrong.