October 6, 2024
Hostage & Missing Families Forum
Formed less than 24 hours after the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli villages and towns on October 7th, 2023, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum is a civil, volunteer-based organization with no political affiliation, focused on bringing our loved ones back home by any means necessary through all available channels. The forum includes thousands of volunteers, from the families themselves to senior figures in the security, judicial, communication, advertising, creative, and diplomatic sectors.
October 7, 2024
Speakers
Mayor Yossi Keren, Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council
Mayor Yossi Keren is a resident of Bror Hayil. He served as the Director of Community Association (Aguda) in Bror Hayil for three years starting in 2021. Concurrently, he held the position of plenary member of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council for a decade and Deputy Mayor for the past 5 years. Following the murder of Mayor Ofir Libstein on October 7, Yossi Keren became the acting mayor of the Sha’ar HaNegev regional council. Since the attacks, Yossi has tried to rebuild communities, assist displaced and grieving residents, and fight on behalf of the hostages who were taken from their homes in the region. Yossi's vision is to revitalize and advance all communities within the Sha'ar HaNegev council, fostering an environment where the joyous laughter of children once again graces the sidewalks.
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel
Doron Almog, the Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel as of August 2022, has a storied history as a leader in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and as a social activist. In 2016 he received the Israel Prize, the country’s highest honor for lifetime achievement. Doron excelled in his service in the IDF’s most elite units and was a leader in many of Israel’s battles, ultimately rising to the position of Commander of the IDF’s Southern Command. Along the way he led an operational task force against the terrorists who murdered the Israeli Olympics team in 1973; commanded the first task force to land in the 1976 Entebbe rescue mission; commanded a number of clandestine missions to bring Jews from Ethiopia to Israel, as well as commanded a company during the Yom Kippur War, the war during which his brother was tragically killed; and led an elite paratroopers brigade during the first Lebanon War. Upon his retirement from the IDF, Doron established the Adi Negev-Nahalat Eran residential and outpatient rehabilitation center for children, teens and young adults with severe disabilities (formerly called ALEH) – named after his son Eran z”l. The center was the first such rehabilitation facility in the Negev, and is a pioneer in opportunities for Israeli youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Michal Uziyahu, Director of Development, Eshkol Region
Michal Uziyahu serves as Director of Development for the Eshkol region, a community located along Israel’s border with Gaza and Egypt and is working closely with Jewish National Fund-USA to rebuild the area through the organization’s Build Together campaign, which is rehabilitating communities in the Israel Envelope devastated by Hamas’ attacks. She was previously the Head of Eshkol Community Center, where she was responsible for the region’s community program management and strategic initiatives, collaborating with Jewish National Fund-USA to implement its Blueprint Negev campaign. Before that, she was Israel’s Emissary to the Jewish community in Denver, CO, where she worked to strengthen that community’s connection with Israel.
Sites
Kibbutz Re’im
Kibbutz Re’im is a secular kibbutz founded in 1949 by members of the Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation, who were demobilized from the Palmach. The economy of the kibbutz has traditionally been based on agriculture and its laser factory, Isralaser. It also houses the factory for Israbig, which manufactures dies for stamping. On October 7, the kibbutz was hosting the Nova Music Festival. The kibbutz itself was largely protected by its six-member community defense squad. Residents were trapped in their homes for over twenty-four hours, and the community lost five members and two foreign workers. Five residents were taken hostage, all of whom have since been freed.
Nova Music Festival Site
On Friday, October 6, 2023, thousands of music and arts fans gathered for a celebration of life, peace, and music in Re’im for the Nova Music Festival. The Nova attendees danced, sang, and celebrated life. At sunrise on Saturday morning, October 7th, the peaceful gathering was brutally interrupted when thousands of armed terrorists invaded Israel, killing 1,200 people total, including 364 from the Nova Music Festival, and kidnapping more than 250 – 40 of which were from Nova.
October 8, 2024
Speakers
Michal Shiloah Galnoor, CEO of Western Galilee Now (WGN)
Michal Shiloah Galnoor is the CEO of Western Galilee Now (WGN), a small business consortium supported by Jewish National Fund-USA. Overseeing many of the region’s small tourism operators and artisanal businesses, and in support of JNF-USA's Go North Strategy, Michal promotes awareness and appreciation for the Western Galilee region’s boutique wines, beers, food, produce and art. As well as promoting the area’s cultural diversity, historical traditions and scenic routes that help to drive change in the region where 40% of the population is employed in the tourism industry. Michal is also responsible for overseeing the Lauder Employment Center North with locations in Akko and Kiryat Shmona, working with Israelis of all backgrounds – Jews, Christians, Druze, and Muslims- as well as the newly arrived Ukranian and Russian refugee population – seeking quality employment throughout the north of Israel. Prior to her work with WGN, Michal ran her own thriving public relations and marketing business, owned a fashion boutique, and was a spokesperson for Motorola.
Basma Hino, Owner of Noor Restaurant
Basma Hino and her family are members of Israel’s Druze community, an ethnic minority with a unique religious practice and a rich history of serving proudly in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In 2015, Basma’s husband, Marcel, died after being in a coma following a serious injury while serving in the IDF. A rare combination of strength, grit, and perseverance has allowed her to become a successful restauranteur in her village. Since the beginning of the war with Hamas, Basma has utilized her skills, her business, and her connections as a member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s small business association to brighten the lives of those serving on the front lines for Israel.
Itzik Oz, Commander of the South District, Fire and Rescue Authority
Itzik Oz serves as the Commander of the South District within the Fire and Rescue Authority. Covering the expansive Southern region, this district encompasses the Judean desert, the Lachish region, and extends to the Negev up to the borders of the Gaza Strip and Egypt in the west, as well as reaching Eilat in the south. Since October 7th, he has navigated the challenges of the south during the war, tragically losing some of his firefighters. Itzik served for 10 years as Security, Safety & Emergency Services Director for Shoham Municipality, and before that as Sales Manager at DHL. Itzik is a Colonel (res.). His military career includes commanding positions in the Golani Brigade, and for over 30 years in Homefront Command. He has a B.A in Social Sciences and M.A in Political Science. He is married and has three children.
In Memory of
Yarden Buskila, z”l
Yarden Buskila, Z"l, murdered at the age of 25, at the Nova Music Festival by Kibbutz Reim. Yarden was a manager in a hi-tech company and liked to "devour life". His father Shimon describes a special relationship between them. "We talked about everything, conversations that I really miss now. He was also a man of the people. I couldn't believe how much a 25-year-old boy could touch thousands of people. If he made it to the age of 25 - what would happen next? But apparently his time ran out." After his death, the family decided to perpetuate his memory through the choice of life and growth. These days they are working to establish a garden in Kibbutz Kfar Masarik, where Yarden grew up - a space where the children and families of the kibbutz and the surrounding area can plant, hang out and be educated according to his values.
Sites & Affiliates
Western Galilee Now
Western Galilee Now is dedicated to promoting the Western Galilee’s multicultural, historical and geographical richness and to highlight the region’s boutique wines and beers, local delicacies, organic produce and traditional handicrafts, along with its natural beauty and the magnificent sights connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Western Galilee Now is a consortium of small businesses around the Galilee as well as social businesses and kibbutzim that rely on tourism as their source of income. By helping these businesses grow through means of training and marketing, they employ more people, which enables them to stay in the region. In the heart of the old city of Akko, JNF-USA and Western Galilee Now inaugurated in March 2016, an information center to serve as a gateway to the Western Galilee. Western Galilee Now was chosen to run it and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the center, recommending tour routes, giving out information about events in the region and showcasing the variety of activities offered in Western Galilee. Developing Tourism in Western Galilee is part of the “Go North” initiative of JNF-USA over the past years – strengthening the economy and population in the Galilee.
October 9, 2024
In Memory of
Dana Cohen, wife of Aviad Cohen, z”l
Cohen, a mother of six, has endured countless rounds of “conflicts” since moving to the Eshkol region in southern Israel 18 years ago. However, she admits she had never experienced anything like the morning of the “Black Shabbat” on October 7. On that infamous day, Cohen’s husband, Aviad, helped her calm their frightened children, parted from his wife with a hug, and left to defend the neighboring community of Pri-Gan, but never returned home to his family.
Sites & Affiliates
Sde Nitzan
Sde Nitzan is a moshav in the Northern Negev. It is twelve kilometers east of Kerem Shalom and falls under the jurisdiction of the Eshkol Regional Council. It was established in 1973 by immigrants from English speaking countries.
HaShomer HaChadash
HaShomer HaChadash is a volunteer recruitment organization dedicated to safeguarding the land and farms in the Negev and Galilee and upholding Zionist ideals on which Israel was founded. Volunteers watch 47 Farmland posts that help protect over 145,000 acres of farmland from illegal seizures, thefts, arson, and vandalism, all while teaching love of the land to over 11,000 youth annually.
Halutza Communities
Located in the Northwest Negev on Israel’s borders with Egypt and Gaza, Halutza was founded by a group of families evacuated from the Gush Katif communities of Atzmona and Netzarim during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005. They moved to this remote corner of the desert – which had never been inhabited or farmed – because they saw the development of the Negev as Israel’s next national mission. Their 21st century pioneering spirit serves as the engine to bring other new people to the region. The residents of these communities are resilient in the wake of the October 7 attacks and their aftermath, returning home after being evacuated and looking for ways to stay strong amidst the challenges they face as residents on the border with Gaza.
Be’er Sheva River Park
The centerpiece of JNF-USA’s efforts to create a renaissance for the city. Hear how this urban renewal project has served as an anchor of tourism and recreation. See the Pipes Bridge, the 12,000 seat amphitheater, and the site of the new World Zionist Village Campus.
World Zionist Village Campus – Be'er Sheva
Imagine a conversation about Israel, about the future of Jewish leadership, about the next 25–50 years, wherein high school students, college students, post-graduates, teachers, young leaders, and older adults are all part of one loud crescendo of voices. Imagine the discourse. Imagine the brilliance. Imagine the outcome. Imagine the future. With the vision of creating this ecosystem—the only one of its kind in the world—for global Jewry of all ages to convene at once or at different times on a single campus with programming, shared spaces, accommodations, and harnessing the power of positive Israel/Jewish conversation, Jewish National Fund-USA is building this world-class campus in Be’er Sheva that will revolutionize Zionist and Jewish educational engagement for the decades ahead.
Alexander Muss High School in Israel – Be’er Sheva Campus
Muss South, opened the summer of 2023, is AMHSI’s brand-new, state-of-the-art campus located in beautiful Be’er Sheva. The campus is the first step towards opening the World Zionist Village, Jewish National Fund-USA's incredible vision to transform Israel’s south into a newfound hub of innovation and industry and begin a new conversation on unity, destiny and the future of the Jewish People. Only 15 minutes away from Be’er Sheva’s River Park, students can enjoy the tranquil calm of Israel’s fastest-growing community in the South, while immersing themselves amongst its diverse population. Within walking distance from local shopping centers and a stone’s throw from Ben-Gurion University, students can take advantage of their evenings exploring all that the city has to offer.
An innovative program that integrates youth with special needs into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and assists in preparing them for career placement after army service.
