An Exclusive Report from Russell F. Robinson

We Remember the Victims of the Arava Floods
In the parched deserts of Israel, rainfall is not always blessing. Recently, flash floods in the Arava led to the loss of 11 lives—10 teens and the driver of a truck. Immediately, roads were cut off and the region lost all power. This tragedy reminds us of the imperative need for the Emergency Response Center we are building in this isolated area. To date, we have raised close to half of what is needed to finish the $4 million facility. This center, currently under construction, will bring together fire, military, police, ambulance, and rescue teams, streamline communication, and enable faster response times during emergencies.

NetGEV is Moving Along
As part of our multi-faceted Blueprint Negev initiative, Jewish National Fund leads the way developing the southern frontier of Israel’s Negev Desert to meet the goal of bringing 500,000 people to the expansive region that is some 60% of the land of Israel but where only 8% actually reside. To do that we’ve helped reshape Be’er Sheva and the surrounding area with new infrastructure, parklands, entertainment venues, community building and neighborhood renewal, and so much more. To meet the need to find good jobs we have invested in NetGEV Centers (which are part of the Lauder Employment Center) to serve as hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship—and they continue to provide opportunities never before available to Negev residents. Since we established centers in Arad, Hura and Dimona last year we have: 28 entrepreneurs renting space, who on average raised their income by 30% through NetGEV; 15 short term courses and two long term courses completed; 258 course graduates; 675 local residents participated in NetGEV events; made available exciting business courses and workshops in partnership with the Ministry for Small & Medium Businesses. Our next phase is to open five new Centers in towns which are in Jewish National Fund-USA’s focus area.

Look For Our New Sababa Society in Your Area
I am proud to announce that we will soon be launching a new society here at Jewish National Fund! The Sababa Society will give our some of our youngest supporters the chance to become involved in Jewish National Fund like never before. Founded by 11-year-old Ziv Zusman from Atlanta, GA, the Sababa Society will offer tweens and teens a way to create adventures in their local communities while learning about Israel and supporting Jewish National Fund.

“To me, the Sababa Society is more than just a way for kids to connect and contribute to the growth of Israel,” says Zusman. “It’s another great way for me to express my love for Israel, a place that has made a lasting impact on my life. I hope that with Jewish National Fund’s Sababa Society, more young people will be able to experience Israel and have their lives positively impacted.” Open, to youth ages 10 through 14, Sababa Society members are asked to raise $104 for the year—that is only $2 a week. Members decide which project in Israel will receive the money they raise. Children have the option to go solo or form a team of friends to work together to fundraise and do exciting activities together! Prizes, badges, and special recognition are all a part of this new awesome society!

A Note from University of Texas Hillel
I recently received this note from students at Texas Hillel. They are but one campus that receives Jewish National Fund support through our Positively Israel programming and educational department events; some 10,000 young people a year are reached on campus by JNF:

To the Jewish National Fund – I’m writing to thank you for your continued support of Israel Block Party (IBP). This year’s monumental success and 20th anniversary is a testament to the community’s ongoing support for vital pro-Israel work on UT’s campus. Without your generous gift, the celebration would simply not have the same impact. Over 1,000 students were affected by IBP this year and 103 student volunteers were empowered to show their love for Israel. Thank you again for making this possible.
Full of gratitude,
Elah and Rachel
IBP Co-chairs 2018   

Help Fulfil the Dream of Aliyah this Summer
Everything we do at Jewish National Fund is for the land and people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere, and as a key stakeholder your investment is realized in so many ways: from the moment a shovel breaks ground at a new community center in the Negev; as a woman in labor is rushed to our new medical center in the Central Arava; and when a visiting traveler walks into our Western Galilee Tourist Information Center looking to visit a nearby vineyard. And it all begins with our work with Nefesh B’ Nefesh that has brought more than 50,000 people to Israel to start new lives and become part of the Israeli fabric. With your help, this summer we can bring thousands of people to Israel to live their dream. I ask you to watch the above video and be a part of someone’s story by sponsoring a seat on their flight to Israel for $1,000, a Shabbat Dinner for $10,000, or an entire plane for $250,000. Click here to pilot a new story.

Are You Ready for Phoenix?
Join me this October in Phoenix, Arizona for Jewish National Fund’s 2018 National Conference! This annual conference brings together over a thousand committed leaders, philanthropists, young professionals, college students, and high school students from across the country and Israel for an impactful three-day experience to learn about the key issues of the day facing Israel and the world Jewish community. In 2017, the largest crowd ever descended on Jewish National Fund’s National Conference, including 250 college students from over 100 campuses and more than 100 JNFuture leaders, to hear incredible speakers, engage in in-depth meetings, and network with old and new friends.

JNF’s National Conference showcases the organization’s vision for the future of the land and people of Israel and the great successes it is enjoying. The annual event provides an opportunity for all participants to strengthen their connection to Israel and to one another over what is sure to be an incredible three days. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from experts on various important issues of our time. You may make a reservation under JNF's Room Block here.  For more Information contact Sarah Budin at [email protected] or 212.879.9305 x208.

With my very best wishes to you and your family,

Chief Executive Officer
Jewish National Fund