Philanthropists Go Behind the Scenes of World-Famous Israeli TV Hits
HARTFORD, Conn., July 6, 2023 — More than 110 philanthropists and community members attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s “From Blue Box to Netflix” event at the Mark Twain House & Museum for an exclusive briefing by Israeli TV producer Danna Stern.
Jewish National Fund-USA Southern New England Board of Directors (L to R): Ros Barron, Daniel Goodman, Sharon Cohen, Robin Santiago, David Peskin, Debbie Peskin, Eric Berg, Anne Weiss, Garry Rappaport
Selected twice as one of Variety’s “Top 500 Global Media Leaders,” Danna Stern, the Founder and Managing Director of In Transit Productions and the Founder of Israeli-based yes Studios, has played a crucial role in securing Israel’s place as an international television powerhouse.
The event, which was co-chaired by Eric Berg and Robin Santiago, was attended by Jewish National Fund-USA partners (donors), ambassadors (lay leaders), and residents from Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, who have been mesmerized by popular Israeli TV dramas streamed on global platforms like Netflix.
Daniel Goodman, Ellen Shapiro, Diane Cohen
“This event was fascinating, inspiring, and full of pride for Israel,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s President of the Southern New England Board of Directors, David Peskin. “I can’t tell you where the Dow or NASDAQ are going to be in six months. But I can tell you one investment that will offer you guaranteed returns. An investment in Jewish National Fund-USA. An investment in the land of Israel yes, but more so, in the people of Israel.”
“Danna, who lived in Connecticut as a child for two years, shared exclusive content about world-famous international hits like ‘Fauda,’ ‘Shtisel,’ ‘Your Honor,’ and ‘On the Spectrum,’” added Jewish National Fund-USA’s Israel Emissary to New England & The Capital Region, Dar Nadler. “Much like the tech industry, the meteoric success of the Israeli television industry is yet another miraculous Israeli story that makes us burst with pride while bringing so much goodness to the world.”
Danna Stern and Dar Nadler
In addition to learning how Jewish National Fund-USA transforms lives in Israel through initiatives including community building, providing life-saving bomb shelters for residents living in terrorism-prone areas of Southern Israel, and making Israel accessible for people with disabilities, attendees also learned about the expansion of the organization’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), a college-prep, study abroad in Israel experience for American teens.
Longmeadow, Massachusetts student Rowan Haber shared his experience attending Muss.
“I’m here to tell you that my recent adventure in Israel has been nothing short of life-changing,” said Haber. “From the moment I set foot in Israel, I felt an overwhelming sense of wonder. The stones of Jerusalem shared ancient stories of our heritage, while the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv hummed with an infectious energy. Everywhere I turned, I encountered passionate and dynamic young minds. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jewish National Fund-USA for supporting me and other students from our community to be able to embark on this experience.”
Rowan Haber
Attendees also learned how they can join thousands of pro-Israel supporters at the Global Conference for Israel (jnf.org/global), taking place November 30-December 3, 2023, in Denver — the closest one can get to Israel without actually being there. The conference will unite philanthropists, the pro-Israel community, and high school and college students for a weekend of unparalleled conversations, enrichment, and entertainment. Speakers of note include His Excellency Isaac Herzog - President of the State of Israel (invited), Ambassador Gilad Erdan - Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Michael Oren - Israel’s Former Ambassador to the United States.
For more information contact Dar Nadler, Jewish National Fund-USA Israel Emissary, New England & Capital Region at dnadler@jnf.org or 617.423.0999 x816.
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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.