On Sept. 25, 2024, 150 New England philanthropists united at Temple Reyim in Newton for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Donor Society Member Appreciation Event, where community members stood in solidarity with the people of Israel while learning how the organization is supporting the country’s resilience and rebuilding efforts in its northern and southern regions.
Chaired by Bari and Charlie Popkin, the event’s keynote speaker was former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren. A statesman, historian, and author with decades of experience, Oren has worked with the White House, Congress, and the CIA on crucial strategic issues, including the Iron Dome defense system and the Iran nuclear threat. He is currently president of the Hadas Malka Center, which supports the Israeli Border Police and their families, and the founder of Israel 2048, dedicated to stimulating and facilitating dialogue on Israel’s future.
Interviewed by Jewish National Fund-USA Century Council member and former Boston chair of AIPAC David Goodtree, Oren delivered expert analysis of Israel’s critical strategic issues, security challenges, opportunities, and the escalating situation in Israel’s north.
“There’s a narrative here that says Israel just woke up one morning and decided to attack Lebanon,” said Oren. “There’s no context of 11 months of just relentless aggression by Hezbollah. I’ve been trying to raise awareness about the intolerable situation in the north part of Israel and that Israel is going to have to act to defend itself and to return these people back to their homes.”
Additionally, local lay leaders discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting Israel’s pressing needs through the organization’s Israel Resilience Campaign. As part of the organization’s $200 million annual campaign, more than $60 million has gone to supporting the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s north and south while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, education, and trauma therapy, as well as firefighting and protective equipment for civil defense.
The campaign also includes a bold and visionary plan called “Livnot B’Yachad – Build Together,” which is working to bring residents back to communities impacted on Oct. 7 by repairing, rehabilitating, and renovating damaged towns.
“Whether it’s rebuilding homes and communities, or providing essential trauma services, Jewish National Fund-USA has been on the ground, making a difference,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Boston president Rhonda Forman. “And we’re not going anywhere! We continue to stand with Israel’s north and south, working together to build a stronger and more secure future.”
Attendees were also invited to attend Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas this fall, taking place from Thursday, Nov. 14, to Sunday, Nov. 17.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Boston, visit jnf.org or contact Sara Hefez at SHefez@jnf.org or 617-423-0999 ext. 811.
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