Robinson Report—June 2026
Dear Friends,
In a world of too many “oy veys,” we must never lose sight or discount our greatest asset: the next generation. The young people I've met and heard from at events over the past month have proven that they are the ones coming out and supporting Israel in droves.
Time and again, young people are demonstrating that their connection to the Jewish homeland remains strong, resilient, and deeply personal. In the face of rising antisemitism, young Zionists are not retreating, they are stepping up.
At Jewish National Fund-USA, we are proud to stand alongside new emerging leaders, providing the experiences and inspiration they need to strengthen their connection to the land and people of Israel as we shape its future.
If you’d like to be inspired, read below!
L’chaim in the City
My wife, Marci, daughter Aly, and I had the honor of attending JNFuture’s “L’chaim in the City,” New York City’s signature event of the year for young philanthropists and professionals. I had the privilege of meeting nearly 200 passionate young Zionists united by one common purpose: supporting the land and people of Israel where and when they need it most.
I was especially moved by the more than 50 young professionals who attended for the first time, many of whom previously knew little to nothing about Jewish National Fund-USA. I witnessed them become more engaged as I explained our circles of impact that extend across Israel’s North and South. It was a moment of inspiration and empowerment that they will hold onto forever.
As Jewish National Fund-USA’s community for philanthropists aged 22-40, these incredible young people are getting involved in our mission, with opportunities for special events, travel, and our annual Global Conference for Israel (Nov 12-15, San Diego, CA). And it isn’t just limited to New York City.
Across the country, JNFuture is creating opportunities for young adults to build connections, deepen their love of Israel, and become leaders. We are investing in the next generation because we know they are looking for something meaningful. And when we give them that opportunity, they show up.
An Unforgettable Parade
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In a time when so many try to define Zionism for us, this year’s Israel Day Parade proved that Zionism speaks for itself.
Tens of thousands of marchers of all ages and backgrounds turned New York’s Fifth Avenue into a sea of blue and white, making it one of the largest parades in the event's history and a powerful show of support for Israel and the Jewish people.
The Israel Day Parade was a celebration of the values that Jewish National Fund-USA lives by every day. Our commitment to the land and people of Israel has only gotten stronger over 125 years, and with more Zionist engagement, travel and missions, and our upcoming World Zionist Village, we are leading the way in connecting the diaspora to the Jewish homeland. We are keeping our story strong for generations to come.
Different Worlds, Same Values
Recently, I welcomed the Tzofim (Israeli scouts) Friendship Caravan to JNF House in New York City, where they spent the afternoon connecting with Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) alumni and Jewish National Fund-USA leadership. And I almost couldn’t believe how quickly the connections formed between the participants.
Although the Muss alumni and the Tzofim live on opposite sides of the world, they discovered countless similarities and shared values. They laughed, ate, and exchanged stories about their Jewish journeys and connections to Israel. The energy in the room was incredible, and I saw conversations continuing long after the event was over.
The afternoon proved that no matter where you’re from or who you are, we are one global Jewish family. And that family is going to grow bigger and bigger with more young people who proudly speak out for Israel. Muss is helping to create that future by strengthening lifelong connections to Israel and the Jewish people. Because when young people develop a love for Israel, our future will be secured for generations to come.
Reflections of a Lifetime
Recently, two Muss alumni authored powerful and award-winning op-eds about their experience of a lifetime at our high school abroad program in Israel.
Zoe and Ariel put the Muss experience into their own words, offering a glimpse into how transformative this study abroad program is.
Their stories underscore the enduring power of immersive Israel education. At Alexander Muss High School in Israel, students don't just learn about Jewish history—they experience the unity of the Jewish people firsthand, forging connections that inspire a lifelong commitment to Israel and the global Jewish community.
Read Zoe’s op-ed here.
Read Ariel’s op-ed here.
The Next Generation of Young Rabbis
Speaking at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue this year gave me tremendous hope for the future of the Jewish people.
Looking out at the audience, I saw hundreds of rabbis, educators, and communal leaders, many of them early in their careers and ready to lead our Jewish people into its next chapter with passion, creativity, and commitment.
In my remarks, I challenged the room to think beyond labels and institutional boundaries. Too often, Jewish organizations, congregations, and movements operate as if they are competing with one another when we are all working toward the same goal: building a stronger Jewish future.
The rabbis I met may serve different communities and hold different perspectives, but they share an understanding that Israel remains an essential part of our collective story and our shared future. Jewish National Fund-USA remains committed to making sure it continues.
Learn more about Rabbis for Israel at jnf.org/rabbis.
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or feedback at CEO@jnf.org.
Warm regards,
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund-USA
P.S. Will I see you in San Diego this November 12-15 at the Global Conference for Israel? This event has become the largest annual gathering of Israel supporters in the U.S. Join me and unite for Israel’s future at jnf.org/global.