NEW YORK, September 23, 2021 — Celebrities and entertainers including Israeli singer-songwriters David Broza and Idan Raichel; actor, comedian, writer and producer, Elon Gold; rapper Noah Shufutinsky, also known as Westside Gravy; and singer Eden Alene, were among some of the stars who partnered with Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) for its annual Spectacular Sunday extravaganza on September 12, which raised close to $3.3 million for the land and people of Israel.
JNF-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson and comedian Elon Gold
This year’s hybrid soiree was hosted live from City Winery in New York City and broadcasted virtually across the U.S. via JNF-USA’s social media channels.
In addition to a magical evening of brilliant entertainment, JNF-USA professionals and lay leaders conducted a nationwide donor outreach initiative in a sprint telethon style approach — calling, texting, and emailing thousands of JNF-USA supporters from coast to coast.
Jeremy Cole, Ronnit Kessler, Rachel Cole and Michael Kessler
Due to the dedication of these individuals and the generosity of JNF-USA donors, including those who matched $1.5 million of the event’s proceeds, JNF-USA exceeded its fundraising goal for projects supporting critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south.
Sheryl Buchholtz, Leslie Berman, Marci Robinson, and JNF-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our team of lay leaders and professional fundraisers, Jewish National Fund-USA achieved a record-high fundraising result on Spectacular Sunday,” said Event Co-Chair Robert D. Cohan. “We are blessed to have the support of such a generous community of philanthropic changemakers who share our historic vision for the land and people of Israel. As we enter a new Jewish year, we have never felt more energized and optimistic about our People’s future,” added Event Co-Chair Bernice Friedman.
Gary Heller, Marni Heller, Abe Kaner, and Doritte Kaner
Thousands of fans tuned in online while nearly 200 JNF-USA supporters from New York and New Jersey attended the soiree in-person. Patrons sang, danced, mingled, and enjoyed an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the upscale music venue and wine bar in New York’s trendy Chelsea neighborhood, while laughing hysterically as Elon Gold emceed the evening.
Esteemed Hollywood actress, producer, and bestselling author Noa Tishby provided remarks after Sol Lizerbram, JNF-USA’s President, presented her with the Guardian of Israel Award in recognition of her leadership, creative achievements, and outstanding service to the land and people of Israel and Jewish people everywhere.
Talia Zapinsky, Marissa Braunstein, Lauren Fuchs, and Amanda Oppenheimer
Among other noteworthy moments of the evening, Shira Haas greeted the audience and Israel’s President Isaac Herzog spoke about JNF-USA’s World Zionist Village — a 21-acre, $350 million center for community, learning, and love of Israel that will be built in Be’er Sheva and is expected to open in 2025.
Team Israel’s Shlomo Lipetz also accepted a gift of a JNF-USA Be Inscribed torah portion on behalf of the players from Israel’s historic Olympic baseball team.
Click here to view photos from the event (photo credit Bindelglass Photography).
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Jennifer Milton
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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.