IsraelCast Episode 130

For years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been transforming Israel’s Negev and Galilee to attract new residents to the regions, by improving the quality of life, supporting tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education, and so much more. On this week’s episode of IsraelCast, JNF-USA’s ever-energetic PR and Communications Manager in Israel, Yael Levontin, walks host Steven Shalowitz through JNF-USA’s vision for the land and people of Israel, from its Blueprint Negev and Go North initiatives in the Negev and Galilee to its push to redefine the conversation on what it means to be a Zionist. She also reflects on her personal experience with JNF-USA and Israel, and how she balances work and raising five children.

Yael Levontin has worked for Jewish National Fund-USA for 12 years. She joined the organization as the firefighters’ liaison in 2010, overseeing fundraising and updating donors on their trucks’ and fire stations’ impact and all things related to fire and rescue. Currently, she serves as JNF-USA’s PR and Communications Manager in Israel, where she develops and maintains relationships with international journalists and other media stakeholders based in Israel, public officials, and JNF-USA’s affiliates, as well as identifies and coordinates PR opportunities throughout Israel.