Robinson Report—December 2024

In just two decades, Jewish National Fund-USA has turned Be’er Sheva into the glistening, modern capital of the Negev. From our serene River Park and breathtaking amphitheater (the largest in Israel) to high-tech hubs, Be’er Sheva is Israel’s fastest-growing city. Yet, we’re only getting started.

Our next bold initiative is the World Zionist Village. This groundbreaking 16-acre space will serve as a space for Zionists of all cultures, religions, organizations, and age groups to unite in pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and shared purpose. Today this is more important than ever. We need to be together, to speak together, to build tomorrow together.

Our commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and renewing a sense of connection to Zionism – the greatest movement of our time — especially at a time when false narratives and rising Jew-hatred attempt to distort our story. At last month’s Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, our “TED Talks” style “Village Talks” showcased the power of unity and dialogue.

In the context of Jewish history, the village square was the central gathering space within a shtetl — a small Jewish village prevalent in Eastern Europe — where community life, commerce, and social interactions primarily occurred, often centered around a synagogue or other important Jewish institutions. This square served as a focal point for news, religious discussions, and community events, reflecting the close-knit nature of Jewish life in these settlements.

The World Zionist Village will carry that tradition forward and stand as a beacon of what it means to embrace Zionism in its truest, most inclusive form. It will be the place for thought, ideas, learning, and collaboration. It will be a place of unity.

As we continue to attract people back to the south with our work to rebuild together, our efforts in northern Israel continue to address the immense challenges and pain faced by its communities. Even with a ceasefire, great uncertainty remains and time is moving slowly for those still evacuated. However, I can’t tell you how much they appreciate the stability and certainty Jewish National Fund-USA brings to their lives and futures. We are the one constant.

Last week’s "Tapestry of Northern Resilience" conference brought together many nonprofits, government representatives, and local leaders to create strategies for recovery and growth.

As Tali Tzour, our Chief of Staff in Israel, noted: "Recovery demands a collective approach. No single organization can tackle these challenges alone. By uniting as a community, we can offer holistic solutions to support thousands of residents on their paths to renewal and healing."

The stories we hear from the North are heart-wrenching. Residents are grappling with trauma, displacement, and loss. Yet, our commitment to our Reimagine Plan for rebuilding the North offers hope. Together, we can restore lives and strengthen these resilient communities.

We see this pain in our Israeli friends every day. For months we’ve been bringing groups of about 4-5 people from northern Israel to go around the country and update our donors on realities on the ground in northern Israel. Last week two people had to leave early and go back home; they couldn’t tell the story anymore – they are suffering from PTSD and there was too much stress attached. And as they say, there is nothing “post” about their PTSD.

These are real stories about real people.

I heard from a resident in Kiryat Shmona who had been evacuated for a year and went home to check on her house. She was greeted not by a Hezbollah rocket but by mice, filth, bugs and other damage. And there are countless others like her. Her happy home is not looking so happy right now. But she was also greeted a network of support backed by Jewish National Fund-USA. That’s what our Reimagine Plan to rebuild Israel’s North is all about and why we need you now. Help us bring them back to their homes. Go to jnf.org/supportisrael.

With Chanukah around the corner, we’re reminded of the miracle of the oil—a small amount that burned for eight days. That same spirit of boundless impact inspires us to send teens to our Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss). Each student we send has the potential to light up and change the world. They are the future leaders of our JCCs, Federations, Synagogues, and of course our Jewish National Fund-USA. A drop today will burn for years to come. It is the greatest Return on Investment you can get.

Money should never be a barrier. Whether by referring a potential student or making a gift to our scholarship fund, you can help ignite the flame of a brighter future. They are our light. Let’s illuminate our world!

We must bring people back to Israel. We’re launching a campaign to bring 100 congregations of all denominations—Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform—to Israel in 2025 and another 100 more in 2026. To make it even easier, we’re offering a $500 subsidy for each congregational participant. Get your congregation involved and sign up today!

And if you haven’t joined a volunteer mission yet, now’s the time. Visit jnf.org/volunteeril to register. Your family is waiting for you!

Our 2024 Global Conference for Israel had it all: 2,500 people, inspiring content, spirit, information, singing, laughter, and tears. Together with old friends, Israelis, participants from nine countries, courageous college students who refuse to be silenced on their campuses, and high schoolers eager to learn and lead — we united in support of our ancient Jewish homeland.

We are Zionists and so we must stand up, be counted, and bring people along. We need you to be in the game, to be a player and take action. Let’s keep our momentum going!

Sign up for Global Conference 2025
Hollywood, Florida
Thursday, October 23 - Sunday, October 26
Don’t wait! Early bird rates are available now.
Register today and recruit someone to come with you.

My wife Marci and I wish you and yours our very best wishes for a happy Chanukah and holiday season. May you have a safe, healthy 2025.

Thank you for all you do for the land and people of Israel. Please reach out to me with comments, ideas, and suggestions at [email protected].

Am Yisrael Chai – The People of Israel Live!

Russell F. Robinson