Women for Israel (WFI), Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women’s Campaign, is composed of women just like you. Compassionate, caring women with a purpose. Women intent on using their philanthropic dollars and energy to make a lasting impact through Jewish National Fund-USA.
We are educators, doctors, lawyers, medical administrators. Stay-at-home mothers, daughters, grandmothers. Business owners, museum directors, speech pathologists, writers and rabbis. Women of every age, with widely diverse backgrounds. We live all over the United States and there are thousands of us, across 33 regions. While we all express our Jewishness differently, we share a love of Israel.
We have a separate Women Campaign.
This past year, donations from all of you to the Women’s Campaign totaled more than $42 million! That’s the power of our Women’s Campaign! This month, we are celebrating Women's History Month at Jewish National Fund-USA. During Women's Month, every gift to Jewish National Fund-USA made through here or at a WFI event will be matched up to $1 million. Multiply your impact by giving today!
We have a National Women for Israel Executive Board. Below, some of our National WFI board leaders share why a separate women’s campaign is so impactful.
Risa Aronson, National WFI President, firmly believes that women— when united in purpose— can create extraordinary impact. “Through the collective voices of WFI and their generosity, we make a difference for the land and people of Israel. I was captivated early on and inspired by the idea that women could build something for Israel’s future. The women I have met through WFI have become dear friends, mentors and partners in purpose.” A retired speech pathologist from New England, Risa previously co-chaired the Boston Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference.
Jacqui Schneider, National WFI Vice President, says, “We women have the means and the self-determination to decide where our philanthropy will be directed. Through WFI, both our donations and our involvement give us a true voice at the table. Once I became involved in WFI, I was part of a sisterhood of incredible women who love and support Israel.” Jacqui had a career in the medical field and was previously regional board president in San Diego. She now chairs the national Jewish National Fund-USA Arts and Entertainment Initiatives.
Kim Kotzin, past National WFI President, echoes the need for a female donor society, explaining “Women are often the decision makers at home and when they are passionate about a cause they bring their families along with them. Our ability to connect emotionally, to communicate with passion, and to inspire others makes women an incredibly powerful force in philanthropy. But what I love most about WFI is the passion and energy that fills the room whenever we come together.” Kim was previously an educator in South Africa and New York. She was also President of the Jewish National Fund-USA Desert State board.
Myra Fleischer is another past National WFI President. She says she has been an advocate for equality for women her entire life. “I recognized that women can be powerful in everything they do, including their ability to earn, donate and fundraise. WFI gives us that opportunity to change the way people perceive philanthropy in a male-dominated world. And WFI has given me some of my best lifelong friends.” Myra currently practices law in San Diego. She is on the Jewish National Fund-USA national board as Vice Chair of Audit and is one of the National Chairs for the upcoming Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference for Israel in San Diego this fall.
Sara Cannon is the current National WFI Sapphire Chair. She believes that “Women have always had the same zeal and commitment to philanthropy but were seldom able to voice it beyond auxiliary functions. The women of Jewish National Fund-USA refused to be quiet participants sidelined by their gender. They understood that we have a different way of relating to other women and their choices for their philanthropy. With WFI, we can share our passions with other women. It’s like a supreme sisterhood.” Sara was Director of Education and Programming for the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs in Barnsdall Park. She was chair of her local WFI region and is currently the Co-Chair of Jewish National Fund-USA’s nationwide Shabbat for Israel initiative.
The women we have highlighted— Risa, Jacqui, Kim, Myra and Sara — all started out just like you. It began with one meeting, one event, one connection at a time. Today, they are national WFI leaders, along with many other women who— with your support — are helping to shape the future of women’s giving at Jewish National Fund-USA.
What does your National WFI Executive Board do?
Composed of experienced Jewish National Fund-USA lay leaders, our board connects members with one another to foster strong philanthropic and social relationships. Monthly meetings involve campaign strategy discussions. Quarterly meetings for all regional WFI leadership entail the sharing of ideas and information. Members also work directly with regional WFI steering committees, offering advice and ideas, leading educational sessions and providing help for regions facing challenges. WFI also orchestrates exclusive WFI Sapphire briefings with Russell F. Robinson, and other national WFI virtual events.
For more than 25 years, women donors to Jewish National Fund-USA have amplified the work of our partners in Israel and our mission and values. Under the leadership of visionary women, we have built up towns, changed lives, and made a difference. We are a vibrant and strong network with a direct impact on the land and people of Israel.
Join us! Participate in local and national Women for Israel initiatives and programming. If you are not yet a member of Women for Israel, please “opt in” by contacting Sara King, Director of Women for Israel or your local Jewish National Fund-USA professional. And please remember to donate during this month so that your generous gift will be matched.
Written by Roni Wolk, Chair of WFI newsletter, member of National WFI Executive Board, Chair of LOTEM and past Chair of Atlanta WFI