I’m a Woman for Israel Because...
“I am a Woman for Israel because Jewish National Fund-USA provides a direct channel for me to demonstrate my support for our beloved State of Israel,” said Barbara Kaplan of Atlanta. “Yet, it’s much more than offering a helping hand or financial support. It’s the camaraderie of being with like-minded women who hold the same values; we celebrate the ingenuity of Israel and all of its glory and weep as Israel weeps. The steadfast bond we collectively have for Israel is very comforting and uplifting.”
Barbara is a member of the WFI Sapphire Society, Atlanta WFI Steering Committee, and co-coordinator of the Atlanta JNF-USA Healthcare Professionals affinity group. JNF-USA Affinity Groups are associations of volunteers with similar professional backgrounds. They meet and hold local events. They share their common interests, plus their love of Israel through JNF-USA. Participation in these groups requires a minimum annual donation. Current groups include Healthcare Professionals for Israel, Lawyers for Israel, Rabbis for Israel and the Real Estate Division. Check with your JNF-USA professional to see if there is a group in your area or consider founding one yourself. This can be done by simply hosting a Parlor (small group) Meeting with a speaker provided by JNF-USA and inviting professionals from your field.
Interviewing Barbara Kaplan was challenging because she’s more interested in what you have to say than what she does. Understandable, given her background in nursing. Caring for and listening to others is in her DNA. Her long career led her to her current position as head of the Veterans Affiliation Nursing Academic Partnership program at Emory University.
After October 7, Barbara publicly took a strong stance advocating for Jewish students at Emory. She experienced an unexpected vitriolic backlash against her, but she stood her ground. She also witnessed overwhelming support for Jewish students from Emory’s President and the majority of her co-workers. These events strengthened her voice, her resolve and her connection to the Jewish People and Israel.
JNF-USA has given Barbara and her husband many opportunities to further support Israel. According to Barbara, every WFI event and every JNF-USA trip to Israel strengthens her love and connection. “When it came to the JNF-USA Volunteer Mission to Israel last February, there was no question we were going. It was the best gift we could give ourselves. It makes me want to cry just thinking about it.”
It is with that same spirit that Barbara chairs the Atlanta WFI “Take Notice” initiative, understanding the importance of connecting with donors to grow the local campaign. Barbara and her team work with a long list of local donors and keep the outreach personal through friendly emails or phone calls, focusing on growing and maintaining donors of $360 - $1799. She has also co-chaired WFI Atlanta’s annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut luncheon with her daughter, Danielle.
Barbara was always involved with the local Jewish community through her kids’ Jewish education. But when her kids got older, she looked for a way to connect more deeply. Enter JNF-USA Atlanta and local WFI leader Roni Wolk who introduced her to Women for Israel where she found the “hemesha” women she was looking for. Barbara eventually activated her husband Alan (a retired anesthesiologist), who is equally committed to JNF-USA. Since then, she and her husband have been on three trips to Israel with JNF-USA; a volunteer mission and two trips with the JNF-USA Healthcare Professionals.
Barbara and Alan are astounded by the “only in Israel” initiatives supported by JNF-USA. Together, they purchased plaques at Ammunition Hill in Israel (a JNF-USA Heritage Site) in honor of both of their fathers' military service in WWII. Recently, they were recognized locally for their donation of a fire wagon – much needed since October 7.
JNF-USA “has enriched every aspect of my life.” And with the signature Barbara confidence, grace, and twinkle, she stated “Together with JNF-USA, we’ve got this!”
Written by: Jackie Goldstein, Proud Sapphire Society Member. Member of JNF-USA Board of Directors Atlanta, WFI Steering Committee, Arts and Entertainment Task Force, and WFI newsletter team.