I’m a Woman for Israel Because...
I’m a Woman for Israel because I want to ensure the continued existence of the Jewish Homeland and create a better future for the citizens of Israel. My involvement in JNF-USA is the best way for me to do that.
Marsha’s grandmother, a Labor Zionist from eastern Europe who insisted on being buried in Israel upon her passing, came to the U.S. in 1921. When Marsha was 17 years old her grandmother influenced her to join Histadrut’s kibbutz exchange program. Marsha went to Kibbutz Urim for 6 weeks and fell in love with Israel. “I love our heritage. There is so much to be thankful for. I have been to Israel more times than I can count.”
Marsha, a Shomer Shabbat resident of Atlanta, Georgia, visited her grandmother’s grave in Israel with her sister in 1988 while on a JNF mission. Many visits later in 2018 Marsha visited Halutza and saw Egypt on one side and Gaza on the other. The natural beauty and tension in the area strongly impacted her. “These people in Halutza are holding the land for us. I fell in love with that and saw the need for bomb shelters and more.”
She was so impressed by the bravery, devotion and sacrifice these modern- day pioneers are willing to make for the Jewish people that she immediately became a donor to support JNF’s vital work in Halutza upon her return from Israel. According to Yedidya Harush, Jewish National Fund-USA's Halutza Liason, "Marsha has been a real partner with Halutza and its people. She has given us so much. We are honored to have her in our Halutza/JNF- USA family."
By the way, the translation of Halutza to English is pioneer woman!
Located in 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. 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 mission. With the support of JNF-USA donors, they are building strong communities. Children can enjoy schools and playgrounds. Residents can count on good healthcare in the nearby medical center. And families have safe havens to shelter in during emergency situations. Halutza residents are fulfilling Ben Gurion’s dream of a blooming and prosperous Negev. Their 21st Century pioneering spirit serves as an engine to bring other people to the region. Learn more about Halutza here.
By carrying out her grandmother’s legacy of volunteering in Atlanta Jewish day schools, an Israel Bat Mitzvah trip with her daughter and granddaughter in 2022, involvement with JNF’s Women for Israel and more has given Marsha a firm and steady, continuous relationship with Israel, Halutza and JNF-USA’s mission to help the land and people of Israel. Learn more about Women for Israel.
Written by Miriam Seiden, Women for Israel, Central New Jersey