Robinson Report—September 2025
A Very Personal Reflection These High Holidays
Dear Friends,
On October 7, my wife Marci and I embarked on a journey to Israel that forever marked our hearts and minds. That day—shrouded in darkness and evil—brought unspeakable pain to all who cherish life and humanity. Just 31 minutes after exchanging texts, we lost our dear friend (and mayor of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council in Israel’s South), Ofir Libstein, as he heroically defended his community. As the High Holidays approach and we reflect on these past two years, we remember the mothers, fathers, children, brothers, and sisters stolen from us, held hostage by pure evil.
In a world that can feel upside down, rife with hatred and anti-Jewish sentiment, I draw strength from the values and mission of our great philanthropic movement, Jewish National Fund-USA. To honor Ofir’s memory, we must rise above hate and define ourselves and our narrative - not by our enemies – but by our actions and ideals. We embody the hope and promise of tomorrow, building a future of engagement and pride.
In this Robinson Report, I want to share how Jewish National Fund-USA is investing in the next generation of proud Zionists.
Rising Above Hate, Defining Ourselves by Hope
Yes, antisemitism demands a serious response. Yet it will not define us. We make up just 0.2% of the world’s population, yet we and the people of Israel have changed the course of civilization for the better. Israel makes our world a brighter place.
We have had 3,500 years of winning seasons. We have endured injuries, slumps, even catastrophic defeats, yet we remain in the game—stronger than ever. If the scoreboard of history were honest, it would show one consistent truth: our people always prevail.
Rebuilding Israel’s North and South: Circles of Impact
For 124 years, our answer to every challenge has been action. Over the past two years, nearly 7,000 American volunteers have joined Jewish National Fund-USA missions in Israel’s North and South. These regions—vital to Israel’s security and long-term growth—remain underpopulated and underdeveloped. That’s why we are investing in rebuilding and reimagining them: creating jobs, housing sites, and vibrant cultural life to attract former residents and welcome new ones—and we are succeeding!
Our circles of impact strategy ensures that every project, program, or initiative—whether water solutions, community development, or educational programs—creates ripples of growth that will help us attract 800,000 new residents to Israel’s North and South and secure its demographic and strategic future.
From Birth to the Boardroom: Investing in the Growing Next Generation of Proud Zionists
The future depends on our children. Over the past decade, we have invested approximately $150 million in Zionist education and engagement through our bold “From Birth to the Boardroom” vision. From early childhood programs to Alexander Muss High School in Israel, from Zionist college advocacy to JNFuture young adult leadership, we inspire 20,000 young people annually to embrace their connection to our land and the people of Israel.
Our Alexander Muss High School semester abroad experience is thriving. Nearly 50 American students are currently immersed in the land of Israel and Jewish history while making lifelong friends and gaining global experience. Many of our students shared that they face Jew hatred in their public schools, yet studying at Muss gives them the tools and information to stand up for themselves and their Jewish peers.
And studying abroad in Israel has never been more accessible.
Programs like Plant Your Way to Israel empower children and young adults to raise funds for their own educational trips to Israel. Our Rabbis for Israel strengthen congregational ties to the people of Israel while providing benefits like subsidized trips for congregations to Israel.
In addition, the most effective way to connect our next generation to their ancestral homeland is through six-week or more study abroad programs in Israel. That’s why we created the Dream Israel Teen Travel Initiative, which empowers high school students to access up to $7,500 in grants towards an approved long-term study abroad experience in Israel. Our $25 million initiative is groundbreaking in that students can choose a Jewish National Fund-USA program – or one run by another great organization (i.e., URJ Heller High, Ramah TRY, USY High, and more).
We also fund incredible pro-Israel campus organizations like the Israel on Campus Coalition, Students Supporting Israel, and the Orthodox movement’s Yavneh on Campus, where Zionist student leaders proudly advocate for their heritage and connection to Israel.
For the second year, Students Supporting Israel partnered with Jewish National Fund-USA to bring powerful 9/11 memorial displays and ceremonies to campuses nationwide. From distributing American flags to honoring first responders, students found meaningful ways to commemorate the day.
The World Zionist Village: A Living Bridge to Tomorrow
Momentum continues on our $350 million, 16-acre World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva—a first-ever global campus for Zionists. The village will host people from every corner of the globe. They won’t know each other or may not even speak the same language, yet they will be united by their deep commitment to our Zionist future.
I’m delighted to share that the Be’er Sheva Municipal Planning Board unanimously approved the village's master plan this month. This living bridge between our heritage and modern Zionism will host immersive, multi-generational programs: high school, gap-year, post-university, academic residencies, and internships with leading technology companies. Facilities will accommodate up to 7,000 teens annually while welcoming educators, interns, and visitors from around the world.
We must do this; we can't afford not to.
Meet Dahlia – A Zionist Wonder Woman
At just 18 years old, Dahlia Wolkoff is already proving that one semester abroad can spark a lifetime of leadership.
A Challenge and an Opportunity
Israel enters the new year with more than 10 million citizens. 31,000 new olim (immigrants) came home. A vibrant Jewish future depends on aliyah (immigration to Israel) and on ensuring that every Israeli feels there is room to grow, work, and raise a family in the land of our ancestors. This is the Jewish National Fund-USA mission!
A New Year of Hope, Healing, and Heart
As you’ve heard me say before, we cannot live our lives through a lens of “oy vey.” We must know and celebrate the incredible things our people have achieved. Our children, their children’s children, and generations yet unborn must know that they are part of a small but mighty nation. We hold in our hands both the history of an ancient nation and the resources to build a prosperous future for our world.
During these High Holidays and over the coming year, we will continue to inspire and empower the next generation. We want to ensure that our story of resilience, hope, and progress is heard above the noise of hate. We are committed to adding 400,000 more donors to our campaign over the next decade, amplifying our voices for Israel, with our goal to reach one million voices, standing up for Israel in a tangible way. Help us add new voices today at jnf.org/donate.
Let’s unite and inscribe not just ourselves but our people’s future in the Book of Life. Because after all, we are a people who want to live and bring light into the world. As our ancient catchcry proclaims, Am Yisrael Chai—The People of Israel Live!
Russell F. Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund-USA
P.S. Our Global Conference for Israel will be the largest Zionist gathering of the year. Day rates are still available. Register now at jnf.org/global