Temple Rodeph Torah “Travels” to Israel With JNF-USA
Monmouth County, NJ: January 25, 2021 – During mid-January, 24 members of Temple Rodeph Torah “travelled” with Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) to Israel on a virtual tour that took them across the length and breadth of the country.
JNF-USA began offering virtual tours in April 2020 due to the pandemic’s effect on Israel’s tourism industry. Specifically, the virtual tours support Israeli tour guides while allowing those feeling “homesick” for Israel with the chance to once again “walk” on their ancestral soil. To date, JNF-USA has taken over 6,000 people on their virtual bus tours.
Virtual tour participant Geri Kaplan said: “This virtual tour is a fantastic idea as a reminder for those who have been to Israel, as well as an opportunity for those who have not. It is a wonderful way to experience a part of what Israel is all about. Our guide, Baruch, was very knowledgeable and so personable which added to the enjoyment, making this trip an A+!”
“This tour exceeded all my expectations!” added fellow virtual tour participant Jen Levin. “I imagined that it would be informative and enjoyable, but I was pleasantly surprised by how engaged I was throughout the week… As an aside, I truly enjoyed learning about the JNF-USA’s initiatives in Israel. I feel so passionate about all the work they are doing and can’t wait to join them in continuing their amazing work.”
The virtual tour also demonstrates the developmental success of the relatively new committee in the Monmouth and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. The purpose of the committee is to expand JNF-USA’s presence in the area by connecting members of the community with Israel and JNF-USA’s work.
JNF-USA Co-Chair, Monmouth Middlesex Committee, Phyllis Solomon shared her excitement for the virtual tour: “We were delighted to bring Israel into the homes of so many. While we can’t wait to get back there in person, this was the next best thing.”
JNF-USA Co-Chair, Monmouth Middlesex Committee, Barbra London added: We are also providing much needed support for Israel’s struggling tour guides – which is important during this time of economic uncertainty.”
For more information and to sign up for future virtual tours follow the link here or contact Anna Millstein at AMillstein@jnf.org or 973.593.0095 x826.
ENDS
Media contact: Joseph Krebs, JNF-USA National Communications Associate
P: 212-879-9305 x226
About Jewish National Fund-USA
JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, JNF-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure and programs that support ecology, individuals with special needs, and heritage site preservation.