Robinson Report—May 2026

Dear Friends,

On Israel’s 78th Independence Day last month, we saw something amazing happen.

Even amid war, tension, and uncertainty, the country’s population reached over 10 million, growing by 146,000 people over the past year. People are still choosing to make aliyah (immigration to Israel). Young families are planting roots. Communities, both new and established, are expanding to create thriving populations. Not because we have to, but because it’s the place to be a part of the Jewish people.

In a time like this, growth is not incidental. It is a statement.

Through our bold initiative to bring 800,000 people to Israel’s North and South, we are not just preparing for growth—we are actively shaping it. We do more than talk. We are the doers.

As more people come, we ensure that infrastructure, opportunities, and support systems are in place so they can build meaningful and lasting lives. For 125 years, we were there yesterday, we are there today, and we will be there forever.

Here are just a few of the ways we are growing the land and people of Israel.

Families Are Choosing Israel's South

The town of Yeruham in Israel’s South serves as a shining example of how desert outposts become hubs of opportunity, creativity, and community.

At the heart of this transformation is Ariel Pollock Star, a community leader, business owner, and baker extraordinaire. Ariel has embraced the region wholeheartedly, helping a group of 40 American families build new lives there.

Each family brings its own story, its own background, and its own reason for coming, along with the skills and spirit to create a new life in a new country. And they all share one common thread: a deep love for Israel and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves.

Their arrival proves that aliyah is not defined by religious observance or political affiliation. It is defined by connection to the ancient land, to our people, and to our future being built here.

That spirit is especially important in towns like Yeruham. When these areas contain the resources necessary to empower communities, they create places for parents to raise children, entrepreneurs to open businesses, and for anyone to be a part of the Jewish people. New residents are bringing energy and life to make their new homes thrive.

Thanks to the vision and partnership of Jewish National Fund-USA, this remote desert town is becoming a meaningful and desirable place to live.

Investing in the Land of Israel

In Israel’s South, the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), a leading science and research center with the aim of advancing sustainable farming in arid regions, continues to stand as a powerful example of how Israel shares its expertise with the world. Individuals from developing nations with no connection to Israel come to the desert to bring Israel’s agricultural innovation back to their communities.

This year marks an exciting step forward. With Jewish National Fund-USA's support, AICAT is developing a new advanced second-year program designed for the top 10% of its students—an elite track that will provide deeper academic study, hands-on seminars, and opportunities for professional specialization. It is an investment in both education and future global leaders in agriculture and sustainability.

During the past year, the war significantly limited participation, with only three countries—Liberia, Indonesia, and Nepal—sending students to the Arava. Yet even in that challenging moment, the program continued.

Now, the outlook is brighter than ever. In the coming year, AICAT expects to welcome students from Indonesia, Nepal, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Liberia, and more, reaffirming Israel’s role as a global bridge between nations.

At a time when division often dominates the global conversation, Jewish National Fund-USA represents something different: collaboration, shared knowledge, and the belief that innovation can unite people across borders.

Israel Makes the World a Better Place

Jewish National Fund-USA's impact extends far beyond Israel’s borders, demonstrating that Israeli innovation developed can transform lives around the world.

In Kenya, the Kasser Joint Institute for Food, Water, and Energy Security, in partnership with the University of Arizona, is bringing this vision to life. Its agrivoltaics site—combining solar energy with agricultural production—continues to perform successfully, serving as both a research hub and a real-world demonstration of sustainable practices.

Building on this success, a new partnership with the Kenya Red Cross is helping deliver irrigation systems to local communities, an essential step in improving food security and enabling long-term agricultural sustainability.

At the same time, the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported Institute is expanding its work through new collaborations. After completing the initial research phase of its fish feed project, efforts are now underway to implement the initiative more broadly.

Together, these efforts reflect something larger than any single project. They represent a growing ecosystem of innovation, partnership, and impact—one that continues to evolve even in the face of uncertainty.

Even during a time marked by security challenges, the Kasser Joint Institute remains committed to a vision rooted in resilience, shared knowledge, and collaboration. From strengthening communities in the South of Israel to advancing sustainable solutions in Africa, this work is building a stronger, more interconnected future.

Building Life in the North: Shlomi

In Israel’s North, communities like Shlomi are not waiting for life to continue. They are creating it.

New private homes are being built, offering American families the opportunity to establish roots in a region that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful. These houses are the foundation of thriving communities—places where children will grow up, friendships will form, and everyday life will unfold.

Building the North means more than development. It means creating a quality of life where people can truly flourish with everything they need, including proximity to major employers. Through our strategic initiative to bring 300,000 residents to Israel’s North, we are helping transform places like Shlomi into destinations of choice where families can stay, grow, and succeed.

If you’re interested in learning more about Shlomi, get in touch with Nefesh b’Nefesh.

Inspiring the Next Generation at Muss

As spring turns into summer, 66 students from Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) are returning home from the study abroad experience of a lifetime, bringing with them unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and an advanced edge on college applications.

But beyond the adventures and academics, Muss gives students something even more meaningful: a deeper understanding of themselves and the confidence to step into the future as strong, thoughtful leaders.

From hiking the land and exploring historic sites to celebrating Shabbat together and seeing history where it happened, they learn how to navigate challenges independently and build connections rooted in empathy, resilience, and shared purpose.

Want to hear their stories firsthand? Meet Muss students, alumni, staff, and parents at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, where the energy, passion, and impact of the program will be on full display. Whether you’re a parent considering Muss for your teen, an alumnus reconnecting with the community, or simply someone passionate about Israel education, Global Conference is the perfect place to experience the excitement surrounding Muss and see why generations of students call it life-changing.

Read more about what Muss students have been up to here.

Even in moments when the world feels uncertain, one truth remains constant: Israel is growing.

Families are arriving. Communities are expanding. Innovation is flourishing. And Jewish National Fund-USA is still there, helping the land and people of Israel thrive.

See how we are securing Israel’s future by pledging to travel to Israel with us: jnf.org/travelpledge.

As always, reach out to me at CEO@jnf.org.

Wishing you a happy Shavuot.

Warm regards,

Russell F. Robinson

Chief Executive Officer

Jewish National Fund-USA