I’m a Woman for Israel: Janet Kass

For Janet Kass, Israel is more than just a country—it’s a source of strength, a reminder of her heritage and a part of her very soul. Over the years, it has become a place where she not only feels connected to her past, but also deeply invested in the future. The Tampa resident has travelled there nearly 20 times making a tangible impact through Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel.

Janet’s journey began with strong women in her life, particularly her grandmother, Lily, who instilled in her a love for Israel. Janet recalls putting coins into little blue pushke boxes—a simple act of giving that would stay with her and grow in significance. Years later, a good friend, Meg Moskovitz, introduced her to Jewish National Fund-USA, and suddenly, Janet saw a new way to have an immediate, lasting impact on Israel’s future. "Women are connectors," Janet says. "We bring people in. We create a ripple effect of change."

Over the years, Janet’s connection to Israel deepened. Her first trip there over 40 years ago was transformative. The moment she landed, the plane erupted in song—Jerusalem of Gold. "I was brought to tears," she recalls. She was overcome by the energy and spirit of the country. It sparked something in her that has never faded. Each visit for Janet reinforces her bond with the land and its people.

Today, Janet and her husband, Michael, are community leaders, driven by a commitment to ensuring Israel’s future. They hope their $1 million matching gift for Women’s Month will inspire others to give boldly. Yet, for Janet, philanthropy isn’t about recognition—but an extension of her love for Israel and confidence that contributions go where they are meant to. "There is power in having a purpose," Janet says. "There is nothing like Jewish National Fund-USA. We know that everything we give goes straight to Israel."

In January 2020, Janet traveled to Israel with 27 family members to celebrate her grandson’s bar mitzvah at Ammunition Hill, the site of a heroic battle in the Six-Day War. The location held special meaning—not just for Israel’s history, but for her own family’s legacy. Janet and Michael had dedicated a plaque on the Ammunition Hill Wall of Honor in memory of her father, Herman Moore, a World War II doctor. Honoring her family’s history at this significant site reminded Janet how her love for Israel is woven into her family’s own story.

On her latest trip, Janet witnessed Jewish National Fund-USA’s impact on Israel’s frontiers. On a helicopter tour from the Galilee to the Negev, she saw how once-barren land had been transformed into thriving communities and lush landscapes. The lasting impact these efforts have on the future of Israel continues to inspire Janet each time she returns to the land she holds so dear.

"She stepped up," says Sara King, National Director of Women’s Campaign. "She hopes to inspire others to step up, too."

Janet is a Woman for Israel because of her unwavering belief in the continued building, protecting, and strengthening of the Jewish homeland. Through her contributions of time, money, and her quiet dedication, Janet makes it possible for future generations to share the same deep connection to the land that she does.

DONATE NOW at jnf.org/womensmonth during Women's Month, where every dollar will be matched up to $1 million.

Written by Mara Fahl, Managing Editor, B'Yachad Magazine & National Donor Media Manager