I’m a Woman for Israel Because...

“I am a Woman for Israel because Judaism wouldn’t survive without our Homeland. We Jewish women, and women in general, are caring and philanthropic. Women today are amassing greater wealth than ever due to their successful careers.” 

Louise Dabrow, a past President of Women for Israel, was inspired to become a Zionist at an early age. It all began when she attended a Hebrew-speaking summer camp for five years and became friends with some other campers. At age 19, those friends invited her to join them on an 8-week trip to Israel with Macon Ha Kietz, a summer program sponsored by the Jewish Agency. The group visited various kibbutzim, including Kibbutz Degania, home of Moshe Dayan. 

During this trip, Louise experienced a serious life-changing heart and soul connection to Israel and met David Ben -Gurion, who told the group they must immigrate to Israel. Louise dutifully called home, telling her parents she wasn’t coming back to her hometown, Philadelphia. Her father was totally against the move. Louise came home and continued her Jewish life in America, eventually getting involved in Jewish National Fund-USA. 

When Louise was the National President of Women for Israel from 2012-2015, she and her team developed the idea that regional Women For Israel chairs and committees were needed to raise funds and create a women’s campaign. Local committees started to form across the U.S., and the national Women For Israel board members were tasked with supporting local communities in their women’s philanthropy.  

Louise also saw the need for women to be able to donate at a more affordable level beyond the already-established Alliance ($360 annual donation) and Sapphire Society ($5,000 annual donation). Louise and Vice President Nina Paul started the Chai Society with an annual $1,800 donation. The results were tremendous once the Chai Society platform was incorporated into the fundraising efforts of Women For Israel. 

The Alliance Society is the entry-level into Women for Israel. Additional levels include Circle of Sapphire and Circle of Sapphire Plus. Members of the various giving societies can connect with like-minded women across the country and receive various other benefits, including jewelry specific to the giving level, invitations to member-only events and briefings, and recognition in Israel.   

In the long line of trailblazers who have made women’s giving and leadership so important for Jewish National Fund-USA, Louise is high on that list because she envisioned the Women For Israel of today. Louise said, “We raised $8 million in 2012, $16 million in 2015. Today’s numbers have risen to $32-35 million per year. We are about one-third of JNF-USA’s national funding!” Celine Leeds, Executive Director for Central New Jersey, says, “Louise is a living example of strong leadership, inspiring young women to lead and create meaningful relationships within our organization and with each other.” 

Louise and her husband Alan have been involved with many Jewish National Fund-USA initiatives, some of which include Be’er Sheva Riverpark, which has enabled the community to both effectively treat wastewater and enjoy a magnificent recreational area; the Housing Development Fund, which works to expand housing projects in small Israeli communities in the Negev and Galilee, several historical sites including the Negev’s Timna Park, the home of ancient copper mines, and Ammunition Hill, the Six Day War Heritage Center where Jewish soldiers are honored. Additionally, Louise and Alan donated a firetruck for emergencies in the North. 

Louise has been to Israel 25 times and has led three Queen of Sheba Missions, a Women’s Only Mission, which will next be offered this February. She and her husband will take trip #26 to Israel with Jewish National Fund-USA in April.  

When asked why anyone should take this trip celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary, Louise stated, “You will fall in love and not believe you hadn’t ever been there or wonder why you don’t visit more often.” 

Louise recommends women join Women For Israel for these reasons: “By supporting Jewish National Fund-USA and its work in Israel, we women are playing a crucial role by enhancing medical research, education, social life, the environment, and entrepreneurship in Israel. And while doing this important work, you will meet empowered, educated, generous, intellectual women who will become your family. We are One Big Family.”  

Louise and her husband, Alan, currently reside in both Margate, NJ, and Delray Beach, FL. 

Written by Miriam Seiden, Sapphire, Women for Israel, Central New Jersey