BECAUSE OF YOU…
Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic vision has been and always will be, to ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Because of You, JNF-USA can take on an array of projects and initiatives that are integral to the vision of building and connecting to our land.
To accomplish this mission JNF-USA focuses on seven key strategic areas: Community Building, Heritage Site Preservation, Forestry & Green Innovations, Research & Development, Water Solutions, Zionist Education & Advocacy, and Disabilities & Special Needs. In this article, we’ll get back to basics and focus on two of these essential initiatives and how the traditional work in each area has had be modified and expanded due to the war.
Historic Sites
Jewish National Fund-USA is committed to making sure that the history of the land and people of Israel is preserved for today's generation and those to come. Thanks to your generous donations, more than 150 heritage sites around the country are open to the public. JNF-USA also continues to identify additional sites, developing them into interesting visiting experiences. Noa Gefen, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites (SPIHS) says, “Heritage sites are more than places—they’re the threads that weave our nation’s story. By restoring them, we’re not just preserving history but giving hope and resilience to the communities that surround them. With the incredible support of JNF-USA, we’re not only safeguarding the past but writing the next chapter of our history, ensuring that yesterday’s stories lay the foundation for a stronger, brighter tomorrow.”
These heritage sites—some dating back to ancient times, some to Israel’s rebirth during the first Zionist settlement in the 1800’s, and others to its 1948 War of Independence—are powerful symbols that inspire Israelis and tourists alike. Major sites include Ammunition Hill, the site of the seminal battle of Israel’s War for Independence; Atlit “Illegal” Immigration Detention Camp; Ayalon Institute—The Secret Bullet Factory; the 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem; and The Women of Valor Center.
On October 7, over 200 of these sites shut down. Those in the Western Negev and the North suffered significant damage. SPIHS quickly mobilized its people and resources to support the hundreds of thousands of evacuees. Their education teams visited emergency centers, offering everything from hugs to emotional support to meaningful programming.
As the situation stabilized, they focused on leveraging their expertise in public engagement and education. Traveling from the Galilee to Eilat, they brought heritage and Zionist-related content to evacuees of all ages. Over time, SPIHS’s outreach extended to include security forces, reservists’ families, border communities under fire and individuals with special needs.
The goal now is to rehabilitate. There are 15 damaged heritage sites in the Western Negev and 23 in the North. Restoring these sites and upgrading exhibitions to include October 7 as a pivotal chapter in Israel’s history will create jobs supporting small businesses and foster community reliance and healing. With JNF-USA and SPIHS working together, visitor traffic will eventually return to these regions. To enable Israel to continue telling its story of struggles and triumphs, please donate to help rehabilitate damaged historical sites and build new ones.
Community Building
For over 25 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has been dedicated to supporting the developing communities of Israel’s North and South, motivated by the philosophy that population growth outside of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa is critical for the Jewish homeland to thrive. To help build communities in these strategic areas, JNF-USA supports the Housing Development Fund, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Project Baseball, Green Horizons, Hashomer HaChadash and MAKOM.
The Housing Development Fund has provided loans to support 2,019 housing lots which speeds up the process of home ownership. Through this initiative, JNF-USA improves transportation, builds parks, playgrounds and youth centers, and creates opportunities for education and employment. JNF-USA helps brings Olim (immigrants) to Israel to support the growth of communities and promote prosperity through Aliyah in coordination with partner Nefesh B'Nefesh. JNF-USA’s Project Baseball brings this sport to Israel, giving children who have made Aliyah a taste of home and draws communities together for the “love of the game.” JNF-USA also partners with Green Horizons, an organization that works with youth. Green Horizons provides activities designed to promote self-confidence, independence, social responsibility and an appreciation for Israel’s history and natural beauty. Another JNF-USA affiliate, Hashomer HaChadash, brings young people from across Israel to work the land, learn about Zionism, the history of Israel, and become leaders in social change.
Integral to Community Building is the work that JNF-USA affiliate MAKOM does with volunteers “on the ground.” The largest national volunteer-based organization, it is a movement of over 300 Israel communities with 20,000 volunteers. They change Israeli society from within and address the unique needs of less advantaged communities, focusing on programs that improve quality of life, including but not limited to recruiting educators (teachers, psychologists, youth coordinators, social workers) to needed areas; organizing ongoing senior activities for thousands; providing social service needs including food security; and immigrant integration into society.
According to Shosh Mitzman, JNF-USA MAKOM liaison, “Although, the number of MAKOM volunteers has gone down by a third as many were drafted into the reserves, we have reached double the amount of people we normally do. Typically, MAKOM impacts approximately 600,000 and this year it's been 1.2M people! MAKOM makes sure all needs are met—not just physical, but also emotional and educational needs. Mental health needs are so huge right now, so MAKOM makes sure people are getting that type of help, too.”
Since October 7, MAKOM has been providing essential services to evacuated and displaced families including: educational alternatives and after school programs for preschoolers, children and teens; art, music and drama therapy for children, mothers and teens; community events as a source of relief and normalcy including Shabbat and holidays; and care for families of reservists including babysitting, meals and outings and more.
The evacuated residents of Kiryat Shmona are now dispersed all over Israel and are receiving support from MAKOM as well. Their MAKOM leader, Shulamit Timsit, helped them find places to live and remains in contact with all the residents. Shulamit helps connect them to other people who are nearby and has organized group get togethers.
MAKOM leaders are also helping to create communities of people who will move back to border areas. Some young people who did not previously live in border communities now want to become these leaders to help get the new communities started. MAKOM is busy anticipating the needs of the communities, reestablishing educational services, getting homes rebuilt, putting therapy programs in place and creating activities for kids.
“At the moment, we have 150 young adults who have moved to the South. We are in the process of training another 50 who will be moving there. As we plan for the future in the North, MAKOM will be developing ideas of how to help heal affected communities and bring people back while attracting new residents,” explained Shosh Mitzman.
“MAKOM’s volunteers have become a beacon of hope, providing emotional, mental health, and physical care for people of all ages. Their compassion and tireless efforts are helping to heal hearts and rebuild strength in their communities during this unimaginable time," said Michelle Horesh, co-chair of the MAKOM Task Force. To help support JNF-USA’s strategic mission of developing communities in the north and south of Israel, please CLICK here.
Jewish National Fund-USA’s different initiatives are changing the land and the people of Israel, Because of You!
Written by Miriam Seiden, Member of the Arad Task Force and Lynette Feit Buzen, Chairperson of the Long Island Regional Board and Vice Chair of the WFI Newsletter