Robinson Report—March 2026

Dear Friends,

Our social media feeds are filled with distressing images from Israel, yet there are far more beautiful moments not captured on camera.

Striving for just a small sense of normality between sirens feels like a win for so many Israelis. People lending a hand, sharing a smile, or just continuing to live their lives is a form of victory.

With Jewish National Fund-USA, the new Israeli normal doesn’t just contain videos of missiles. It has grit, resilience, generosity, and real, on-the-ground support. It is the spirit of a people who continue to build and grow.

What happens when the cameras turn off? Jewish National Fund-USA is there.

“I Have a Job to Do.”

Our Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF), featuring the Rosenfield School of Culinary Arts, recently hired a remarkable woman by the name of Anna Ovadia to lead Sales and Marketing. Anna was born and raised in the Galilee and is, unfortunately, no stranger to border attacks.

One evening, I was on a Zoom call with her as she sat in her miklat (community shelter), and went through a comprehensive list of updates on GCI by JNF (which you can read about by signing up for our newsletter). We already have groups signing up for November, December, and 2027.

As Anna spoke, I began to get emotional at the incredible resilience this woman showed in the midst of a war.

“Anna,” I interrupted. “Are you delusional? Look at where you are right now!” Anna chuckled. And, in typical Israeli fashion, responded: “I have a job to do.”

Even in the midst of war, the vision of bringing a cutting-edge culinary center to the heart of the Galilee is in full force. With the energy of the small, dedicated staff and board members led by Steve Dabrow and Lior Lev Sercarz and our soft launch strategy, the Institute is set to drive tourism, economic, and population growth to Israel’s North, allowing communities to thrive.

“In 2035, I’ll be booking it for my daughter’s wedding!" I was told by a recent Mega Mission participant. So join the journey.

Going all the Way in the Golan

As tensions rise on Israel’s northern border, communities in the Golan are living under constant stress, spending much of their daily routines near protected spaces while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.

Ori Kallner, Head of the Golan Regional Council, partners with Jewish National Fund-USA and the region’s frontier communities. He has been building with our Go North task force, creating plans for population growth in the region, and he recently shared a letter with us expressing his profound gratitude:

“Your swift partnership sends a powerful message to our residents: you are not alone.”

Recently, Jewish National Fund-USA has fulfilled the request of the Golan Regional Council to support the immediate purchase of ten protective shelters, the first one having arrived earlier this month. With our support, the communities of the Golan can feel safe in the midst of ongoing war.

When others talk, we act. Donors are already freely helping and a thousand have already contributed. You can too: jnf.org/israelstrong.

Home Fronts and Home Care

Life is continuing at full force in Israel’s South.

Tal Reiner, a physical therapist at the Kaylie Rehabilitation Medical Center and at the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, also serves as an operations officer for the IDF's Home Front Command.

Throughout this war, she has been balancing two vital roles: operational responsibility in the reserves and a provider of life-changing care to patients at the first and only fully dedicated rehabilitation hospital in southern Israel.

“The close proximity between my army base and the rehabilitation village provides me with easy access to my patients,” Tal said. “When I get a break, I rush over to the rehabilitation village to spend time with them and make sure we maintain their routines and continue their treatments despite the chaos of war. In both of my roles, I’m focused on helping people through difficult moments.”

Tal’s dedication reflects the powerful impact of Jewish National Fund-USA and the communities it supports. It is a reminder that Israel’s strength comes from people who step forward to help others. Jewish National Fund-USA is proud to provide the resources that enable life-changing work to continue.

The Impact of Inclusion

In the midst of the war, Jewish National Fund-USA supports children and adults with disabilities—populations often among the most deeply affected during times of crisis. The disruption of daily routines and the uncertainty of the situation create heightened fear and anxiety.

In response, our partner “LOTEM” has been operating in emergency mode, concentrating its efforts where it can have the most immediate impact.

Over the past weeks, Jewish National Fund-USA delivered one-on-one mentoring support to children and adults with disabilities in several municipalities. This included 250 children and 60 adults in Sderot, 90 children in the Eshkol Regional Council, and 260 children in the Jerusalem Municipality.

In total, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped serve more than 1,120 participants, ensuring that even amid ongoing conflict, individuals with disabilities and their families continue to receive meaningful support and connection.

Help us leave no one behind by contributing here now.

A Journey of Brotherhood

In the midst of cancelled flights and sprints to mamadim (shelters), our third annual brotherhood volunteer group mission made the best of their extra time in Israel.

These incredible men organized and donated 200 care packages for soldiers serving in combat, packing each one with supplies and personalized greeting cards written by the participants themselves.

In keeping with Jewish National Fund-USA’s commitment to supporting Israel’s people, all products were purchased from members of our Small Business Association, made up of over 100, mostly family-run businesses in Israel’s North that have struggled during the war as shops closed and tourism declined. For these business owners, knowing their products would reach Israeli soldiers rather than sit unsold on shelves was deeply meaningful.

You can order and send your own support packages to Israel’s soldiers. You don’t have to know them, yet they will know that you care.

Even in the face of uncertainty, the Brotherhood Mission embodies the spirit of Jewish National Fund-USA: showing up, supporting Israel’s people, strengthening communities, and turning every moment into an opportunity to do good.

Commit to come to Israel today: jnf.org/travelpledge.

Purim in Israel’s South

Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA, the spirit of Purim continued to shine brightly in Israel’s South.

Families gathered across the Arava region to celebrate the holiday with costumes, laughter, and community events—moments of joy that are especially meaningful during difficult times.

Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA’s support in building critical protective infrastructure, entire communities celebrated together, knowing that safety is always close by.

Jewish National Fund-USA has helped provide 14 bomb shelters across the region, including four kindergartens equipped with reinforced safe rooms, one donated by the Mower family. Not only could children learn, play, and celebrate while being protected, these fortified spaces were temporarily used by soldiers during missile attacks.

The shelters and kindergartens are more than just structures. They allow for life, community, and holidays to continue, preserving a sense of normalcy and resilience for families in Israel’s southern frontier.

Behind the Cameras with Your Community

It’s easy to fall into an infinite doomscroll as we witness our ancient homeland being attacked. Yet you can take your camera and share the light of Shabbat for Israel on April 24. Our global gathering in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is just the place to unite and show your support.

Already, 54 congregations are joining with around 1,000 people each, which means we have 54,000 people honoring Shabbat together.

During this special moment, I want you to do something for our Jewish world. I want you to take a photo of your Shabbat candles and share it on your social media so the world can see that nothing can ever extinguish our light, for ours is one of joy, resilience, and unity. Register now at shabbatforisrael.jnf.org!

Emergency Briefing with Israel's Mayors

As Israel’s North and South face ongoing security threats, Israel’s mayors are preparing and managing with unwavering commitment to their people and to each other. Watch our recent Israel Emergency Briefing, where you will hear directly from the brave leaders guiding their communities in times of crisis.

And so, my friends, as we ready our homes for Passover, I wish for the Jewish people to be secure in our homeland. At this crucial moment, please consider making a commitment to the land and people of Israel before the holiday at jnf.org/israelstrong or call 800.JNF.0099.

As always, please reach out to me with any questions or feedback at CEO@jnf.org.

From my home to yours, Happy Passover.

Warm regards,

Russell F. Robinson

Chief Executive Officer

Jewish National Fund-USA