SAN DIEGO, Calif., September 2, 2022 — On Sunday, August 28, 2022, more than 500 Zionists in San Diego attended Jewish National Fund-USA’s 11th Annual Love of Israel Brunch at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines with many more online. The sold-out event featured Hollywood actress, producer, author, and activist, Noa Tishby, who was recently named the Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism & the Delegitimization of Israel by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A proud member of JNF-USA’s Arts and Entertainment Task Force and a Chai Society Member, Tishby captivated the audience by discussing important topics impacting the global Jewish community and the land and people of Israel, many of which are highlighted in her acclaimed book, Israel, A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth.
Shlomo Caspi, Brunch Co-Chair; Leslie Caspi, Brunch Co-Chair; Debbie Kornberg, JNF-USA San Diego President; Stella Inger-Escobedo, keynote moderator; Noa Tishby, keynote speaker; Lauren Lizerbram, Major Donor Reception Co-Chair; Dr. Sol Lizerbram, JNF-USA National President; Jacqui Schneider, JNF-USA San Diego President-Elect; Monica Suissa, JNF-USA San Diego Director
Among the event’s highlights:
- Honorary Chair Dr. Andrew Viterbi, a pillar in the San Diego Jewish Community and co-founder of Qualcomm Inc., one of the most successful and impactful technology companies in the world, who has been a Jewish National Fund-USA partner (donor) for more than a decade, was honored with the Guardian of Israel Award. Among his many philanthropic investments, Viterbi has donated multiple JNF-USA fire engines that are stationed throughout Israel. These fire engines are responsible for saving countless lives; protecting homes, businesses, and farmlands; and safeguarding Israel’s breathtaking natural landscapes from wildfires and enemy arson attacks.
- San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria voiced his unwavering support of Israel and proclaimed August 28, 2022, Jewish National Fund-USA Day — expressing his gratitude to the organization for the role it plays in the U.S. and in Israel and presenting a commemorative plaque to Jewish National Fund-USA’s National President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram.
- JNF-USA Ambassador Debbie Kornberg was presented with a Golden Book Certificate commemorating her years of service with the organization as San Diego President.
- JNF-USA San Diego President-elect Jacqui Schneider announced that Liat Cohen Reese has been appointed San Diego Vice President.
“Three years ago, Jewish National Fund-USA faced an enormous set of challenges with the onset of the pandemic,” Lizerbram said at the event. “Today, I stand proudly before you and say we are stronger, bolder, and more resilient than ever before! Some organizations turned off their lights and went home. Others dramatically reduced their operations.
However, we took a vastly different approach…What started with Blue Boxes and tree planting has evolved into our bold One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, which I’m proud to announce, has reached $945 million. The breadth, depth, and impact of our organization can be felt from Israel’s northernmost town all the way south to the red sea.
Yet, there is still so much to achieve as we support a nation under creation. As you can see, we were there for our Jewish homeland, just as we have been for the last 121 years, and you better believe that we’ll be there for Israel for the next 121 years and beyond!”
The festivities continued after the main program, with the region’s major donors participating in an exclusive Meet & Greet and Q&A reception with Tishby, while young philanthropists ages 22-40 attended a JNFuture afterparty.
For more information or to learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA, contact Monica Suissa, JNF-USA Director, San Diego at msuissa@jnf.org or 858.824.9178 x858.
Click here to view photos from the event (photo credit Melissa Jacobs, sandiegophoto.com)
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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.