New Jewish National Fund-USA Assoc. Director Turns Passion Into Her Profession
Southern New England, Mass. – August 1, 2024: Jewish National Fund-USA’s leadership in Southern New England are delighted to welcome Karen Rabinovici as the region’s new Associate Director. Rabinovici previously worked as a healthcare and corporate attorney for 12 years. However, the high-flying legal eagle said although she was immensely grateful and proud of the career she had created, she found herself yearning to switch professionally to a field that would benefit the land and people of Israel.
“My dad is from Israel, my mom is from the Netherlands, and I was born in Israel,” explained Rabinovici. “I moved to the U.S. when I was three. I was raised to be a proud Jew and Zionist and to be aware of and knowledgeable about our history and current events in Israel.”
Karen Rabinovici
Rabinovici joins Jewish National Fund-USA at a time when Israel and Zionists everywhere face unparalleled challenges. “My heart and soul have always been in Israel,” she said. “After October 7, a career change was no longer optional, and I actively sought to switch professional gears. I am so grateful to have landed at Jewish National Fund-USA, which always has Israel as its first priority.”
She added, “I am excited to combine my passion for Israel with my skill set honed as an attorney and put that towards the incredibly meaningful work of advocating for Israel and fulfilling the mission of Jewish National Fund-USA. I still cannot believe that my passion is now my profession!”
David Peskin, Jewish National Fund-USA President of the Southern New England Board also shared his excitement about Rabinovici’s new role. “The Southern New England Board of Jewish National Fund-USA is thrilled to welcome Karen to our team,” said Peskin. “Karen's devotion to Israel is second to none, and we know she will bring an unmatched energy and commitment to her position. We look forward to sharing our organization’s amazing story with Zionists throughout the area and have them join us in our impactful work, such as our inspiring volunteer missions to Israel, our meaningful regional events, raising vital funds for Israel's war-torn North and South, and culminating in our can't-miss annual Evening For Israel on Sunday, September 29 in West Hartford, featuring spellbinding former Israeli diplomat and speaker, Shahar Azani!”
In response to the October 7 terrorist attacks, Jewish National Fund-USA launched its Israel Resilience Campaign, which has raised over $60 million to support displaced Israelis and provide civilian protective equipment, firefighting apparatus, education supplies, employment programs, and more. The organization has also sent over 3,500 volunteers to Israel to help remediate and rebuild communities decimated by Hamas.
Asked why the Southern New England community should support Israel at this critical time, Rabinovici said, “Many of us were paralyzed after October 7. We were shocked, horrified, grief-stricken, and afraid. We wanted to help, but we didn’t know how. Jewish National Fund-USA is the outlet for the ‘how.’ Our organization empowers people to truly make a difference in Israel. They can go on volunteering trips and missions to see where their dollars and their efforts are having an impact. Our work is real, tangible, and truly changing lives.”
For more information, contact Karen Rabinovici at krabinovici@jnf.orgor 617.423.0999 x819.
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Media Contact:
Stefan Oberman
212.879.9305 x222
Soberman@jnf.org
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.