American Jewry’s Next Generation of Leaders Gather at JNF House
NEW YORK: August 13, 2024 – Ronald S. Lauder JNF House was abuzz with inspiring conversations and thought-provoking speakers last week as Jewish National Fund-USA hosted its annual Bar Yadin Family Foundation JNFuture Leadership Institute Summit (JLIS). The event brought together future Zionist leaders of American Jewry aged 22 to 40, each committed to advancing their leadership within the Jewish community and strengthening their connection to the land and people of Israel.
Participant Dev Taylor, President of JNFuture in Chicago, emphasized the unique opportunity that JNFuture - Jewish National Fund-USA’s donor society for young Jewish professionals - provides for those passionate about Israel and their community. "If you love Israel, and you love Judaism and philanthropy, [joining JNFuture] is the perfect way to make a difference," she said.
JLIS participants gather at JNF House
Participants shared their personal experiences and the profound impact that their involvement with JNFuture has had on their lives and on Israel. "In July 2023, I had the opportunity to go to Israel on a Jewish National Fund mission. It was really impactful to see the work being done over there," one attendee remarked, reflecting the deep connection that JNFuture members feel with Israel.
Gary Fayman, National JNFuture Board Member, highlighted the significance of the summit, stating, "JLIS is an opportunity for young professional lay leaders from across the country to come together, to network, to learn different skill-building opportunities, and to really discuss where we are right now and how we can take things back to our communities, to grow our communities, to build awareness about Jewish National Fund-USA, and to support Israel in the best possible way."
JLIS participants also discussed the challenges they face as the future leaders of American Jewry in the wake of October 7. "We are loud, and we are proud, especially now in a post-October 7 world. We are raising our voices, we are raising awareness, and we are coming together as one," Fayman added, underscoring the collective resolve of the Jewish community.
Echoing the sentiments of other JLIS participants, Josh Goodkin, a New York Board Member of JNFuture, expressed the profound sense of purpose that JNFuture has given him. "If I had to describe JNFuture in one word, it would be ‘all-encompassing’. Jewish National Fund-USA and JNFuture have provided me with so many tools to step up and lead my community. I've made lifelong friendships, and I've found mentors who have helped me both personally and professionally.”
As the summit concluded, participants left energized and equipped to take their newfound knowledge and passion back to their communities, committed to continuing their work in support of Israel and the Jewish people.
The Jewish Future Leadership Institute Summit is held annually by invitation and continues to be a cornerstone event for young Jewish leaders dedicated to making a lasting impact. For more information on future JLIS events, email Megan Montgomery at mmontgomery@jnf.org.
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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.