TEL AVIV: January 8, 2024 — Jewish National Fund-USA CEO, Russell F. Robinson, addressed tens of thousands of Israelis on Saturday night
at a rally in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” calling for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza.
During his impassioned speech, Robinson shared how Americans continue to relentlessly call for the release of the hostages, saying, “I am here today, yet every day, we, throughout America, are speaking up, posting posters, calling Congress, telling the story of each family’s pain. You are our family. We are one,” he said.
Robinson also shared how the plight of the hostages was highlighted throughout Jewish National Fund-USA’s recent Global Conference for Israel, explaining, “At our Jewish National Fund-USA Conference, [attended by] 2,500 people representing over 600,000 [of our] supporters, releasing the hostages was a central theme. As we walked through protesters outside our conference, we proudly shouted ‘Bring Them Home Now!’”
In response to Robinson’s remarks, the packed square began to chant “Bring Them Home,” as he reassured them that American Jewry would continue to do everything possible to save the hostages.
“We will broadcast tonight and every week to millions of people on our platforms – we will speak at college campuses and events. We will share your family’s messages, our family’s messages; we will tell the Red Cross, ‘Bring Them Home Now!’”
He added, “We are not silent Jews. All of us - American Jews – all of the people who believe in good over evil, as Zionists, we shall shout out, ‘We are one with the people of Israel.’”
Recalling his recent meetings and conversations with the residents of Israel’s south, Robinson said, “I have walked through the burnt land of Be’eri and Kfar Azar, where I felt the soul of our Jewish people in that soil. We guarantee that we will work with everyone to build it back!”
To date, Jewish National Fund-USA has raised over $50 million through its Israel Resilience Campaign to support the immediate and future needs of those affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks, including support for the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a non-profit created by the families of those kidnapped. To donate, visit jnf.org/supportisrael.
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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.