Ben-Gurion’s Grandson Headlines Jewish National Fund-USA Luncheon
NEW YORK, N.Y., December 26, 2023 — As Israel’s war with Hamas continues, it is more important than ever for the Jewish community to stand together in solidarity with Israel. Recently, community members came together at the “JNF House” for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Planned Giving Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Alon Ben-Gurion, the grandson of Israel’s first prime minister David Ben-Gurion.
Susan & Stanley Friedman, Anne Millman, Keynote Speaker Alon Ben-Gurion, and Herbert Fishman
Ben-Gurion spoke about the October 7 terrorist attack, drawing parallels between Hamas’ slaughter of innocent civilians in Israel’s south and the devastating Yom Kippur War that Alon himself was a soldier in. He also called on all Jews, especially American Jews, to step up and show their support rather than sit on the sidelines.
“For 40 years, too many Jews in America have refused to stand on the front lines,” he said. “The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS) did not start yesterday; the hatred at universities did not start yesterday. It’s been going on for years, but we like to put our heads down. We have got to start fighting.”
JNF-USA New York Board Member Sheryl Buchholtz and Michele Newman
Attendees also heard from Jewish National Fund-USA’s Chief Financial Officer Mitch Rosenzweig, who discussed the organization’s Israel Resilience Campaign (jnf.org/supportisrael), which is supporting Israelis impacted by the war in the short and long term.
“We were there with them yesterday, we are there with them today, and we will be with them tomorrow,” he said. “We are on the ground, truly helping the people of Israel, responding to their immediate needs of shelter, food, clothing, activities, civil defense equipment, trauma therapy which many of them need, and more.”
Myrna Jacobs with Alon
In addition, Planned Giving professionals discussed how individuals can meet their personal, financial, and estate planning goals through charitable giving. From Donor Advised Funds to Charitable Gift Annuities, experts walked the crowd through different ways they can support the land and people of Israel while maximizing their tax and fiscal benefits.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Planned Giving opportunities, visit jnflegacy.org or contact a planned giving specialist at 800.562.7526 or plannedgiving@jnf.org
Keynote Speaker Alon Ben-Gurion addresses the crowd
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Media Contact:
Jennifer Milton
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.