2020 Jewish National Fund
Virtual National Conference
Schedule
Program is In Formation
Sunday, October 18, 2020
8:00 - 9:00 pm ET
5:00 - 6:00 pm PT
Opening Session
An Assessment of Our Achievements of the Past Year and Our Strategic Vision for the Future
FEATURING
Dr. Sol Lizerbram, President
Russell F. Robinson, Chief Executive Officer
MODERATOR
Tara Rosenblum, News 12 Network Senior Investigative / Political Reporter
SPECIAL GUEST
Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations
HATIKVA
Micaela Diamond, "The Cher Show on Broadway" - @micaela_diamond
Young E.Z., Musician - @young1e.z
Michelle Beth Herman, "Les Miserables National Tour" - @michellebethherman
Natalie Janowski, "American Idol" - @nataliejanesings
Nathan Salstone, "Harry Potter and The Cursed Child on Broadway" - @nathan_salstone
Produced and Directed by Molly Abigail Heller - @mollyabigail1
Monday, October 19, 2020
12:00 - 12:45 pm ET
9:00 - 9:45 am PT
Building Up Israel's North and South
Jewish National Fund's work in building up the north and south of Israel has provided the infrastructure and resources to ease the way for people to move out of Israel's congested center. In this session, we will hear from Israelis who have benefited directly from JNF's work, and about the importance of these opportunities, especially at this time.
HOST
Eric Michaelson, Chief Israel Officer
7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
4:00 - 5:00 pm PT
What's in Store for the World: The Future of Global Food, Water, and Energy Security
People in impoverished communities around the world face extreme challenges in the areas of food security, reliable energy production, economic opportunities, clean air, waste management, and sufficient water for drinking and agriculture. Jewish National Fund, along with the University of Arizona and the Arava Regional Councils, have formed the JNF Join Institute for Global Food, Water, and Energy Security, whose mission is to introduce innovative technology and build capacity for food, water, and energy security in vulnerable communities, with a focus on Africa. Join our panelists as they discuss these three main challenges facing the global community: water, food, and energy.
HOST
Talia Tzour Avner, KKL-JNF Chief Israel Emissary
FEATURING
Seth Siegel, Author of Let There Be Water and Troubled Water
Professor Joaquin Ruiz, VP of Global Environmental Future, University of Arizona; Director of Biosphere 2
Howard Yana-Shapiro, Ph.D., Chief Agricultural Officer Emeritus, Mars Fellow, Mars Incorporated
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
12:00 - 12:45 pm ET
9:00 - 9:45 am PT
JNF on the Ground and With the People of Israel
Jewish National Fund's important work touches all facets and people of Israeli society. From farmers to new immigrants to people with disabilities, millions of Israelis reap the benefits of JNF's commitment to bettering the lives of all who call Israel home. This session will showcase interviews with individuals whose lives JNF has impacted in good times and in challenging times.
CO-HOSTS
Shahar Hermelin, JNF Director of Tourism
Shosh Mitzman, JNF-MAKOM Liaison
4:00 pm ET
1:00 pm PT
Women for Israel Sapphire Society Reception (By Invitation Only)
GUEST SPEAKER
Sarah Idan, Miss Universe Iraq 2017
7:00 - 7:45 pm ET
4:00 - 4:45 pm PT
The Faces of Israel: Many Peoples, Many Opportunities
As part of our focus to improve the quality of life for all Israelis, Jewish National Fund ensure that no member of Israeli society is left behind. JNF passionately believes that the inclusion of people with disabilities and special needs should be woven tightly into the fabric of Jewish life, all the more so in Israel. This session will examine the work Jewish National Fund does for people with special needs and disabilities.
HOST
Gaylee Shif, LOTEM- Making Israel Accessible Liaison
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
12:00 - 12:45 pm ET
9:00 - 9:45 am PT
Israel Making the World A Better Place
Join us as we visit with the alumni of the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in their home communities in Myanmar, Nepal, Indonesia, and elsewhere. Experience how the support of Jewish National Fund offers a critical global contribution by imparting professional agricultural knowledge and skills to students from developing countries around the world.
HOST
Noa Zer, Resource Development Director, Central Arava Regional Council
4:00 - 4:45 pm ET
1:00 - 1:45 pm PT
Major Donor Thank You Event (By Invitation Only)
PERFORMANCE BY
Bat Ella Birnbaum
7:00 - 7:45 pm ET
4:00 - 4:45 pm PT
Israel as the Food Capital of the World
Tune in for a moderated discussion on why Jewish National Fund is building a culinary institute in the upper Eastern Galilee, and the latest information on the pans for this transformative endeavor. In addition to the live conversation with Chef and Spice Blender Lior Lev Sercarz and Chief Executive Officer of the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF Nathan Hoffman, we will hear from others involved on the Culinary Council, and those invested in bringing jobs, resources, and people to the area.
HOST
Steven Shalowitz, Host, The One-Way Ticket Show and Jewish National Fund's IsraelCast Podcasts
FEATURING
Lior Lev Sercarz, Chef and Owner, La Boite
Nathan Hoffman, CEO, Galilee Culinary Institute (GCI) by JNF
Thursday, October 22, 2020
12:00 - 12:45 pm ET
9:00 - 9:45 am PT
Why Be'er Sheva?
Be'er Sheva is the capital of the Negev and Jewish National Fund has been spearheading development of the Be'er Sheva River Park and Lake for the past 17 years. Mayor Ruvik Danilovich will enlighten and inspire us as he reflects on our accomplishments to date and the excitement over future plans, especially regarding the JNF Israel Education and Technology Center.
HOST
Tamar Gil Menachem, Associate Director, Jewish National Fund Lauder Employment Center With Itai Freeman, CEO, Dead Sea Drainage Authority
SPECIAL GUEST
Ruvik Danilovich, Mayor, Be'er Sheva
4:00 - 4:45 pm ET
1:00 - 1:45 pm PT
World Chairman's Council Event (By Invitation Only)
7:00 - 7:45 pm ET
4:00 - 4:45 pm PT
Going Home to Israel: Stories From Our Students
Last month, close to 100 U.S. high school and college students packed their bags and went to Israel with Jewish National Fund. They are there now, spread out across the country, from Be'er Sheva to Hod HaSharon, learning, volunteering, and having a life-altering experience. Tune in to this session to hear their stories.
HOST
Gali Gordon, JNFuture Root Society AMHSI Alumnus
Friday, October 23, 2020
12:00 - 12:30 pm ET
9:00 - 9:30 am PT
Closing Session
Join us in celebrating our connection to the land and people of Israel through Jewish National Fund as we wish each other Shabbat Shalom and look forward to being together at next year's National Conference in Israel.
HOST
Lee Lebovich, Director, South Palm Beach
MUSICAL PERFORMERS
Rabbi Lawrence and Robin Dermer
"Seasons of Love" - Michelle Beth Herman, "Les Miserables National Tour" - @michellebethherman
Natalie Janowski, "American Idol" - @nataliejanesings
Jake Levy, "Anastasia National Tour" - @officialjakelevy
"You've Got a Friend" - Melanie Brook, "50 Shades! The Musical Off Broadway" (and various TV/film credits) - @mellyb14
Produced and Directed by Molly Abigail Heller - @mollyabigail1