More than 1,400 supporters of the land and people of Israel, including several from Austin, united in Boston on November 4-6, 2022, for Jewish National Fund-USA’s largest-ever National Conference. The organization’s annual symposium is unique in that it brings together high school students, college students, rabbinical students, leading philanthropists, prominent Zionist thought leaders and Israelis from the Negev and Galilee who are directly and positively impacted by the partnership of Jewish National Fund-USA.

“Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2022 National Conference was an eye-opening experience,” said JNF-USA Austin Board Member, Mike O’Krent. “It’s one thing to read about all the incredible things Jewish National Fund-USA is doing for the land and people of Israel, but it’s another to meet the people there and speak with the many who benefit from our local work and support here in Austin. Attending a conference with 1,400 other Jews, some of whom were high school and college age, is reassuring that the future of the Jewish people is in good hands,” O’Krent said.

Jewish National Fund-USA’s President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram, announced that the organization was close to achieving its fundraising target for its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade as its supporters reclaim the Zionist narrative and stand up against Jew-hatred.

In addition to hearing from incredible speakers and influencers including Israel’s Ambassador, Michael Herzog, Ronald S. Lauder, Olga Meshoe Washington, Rachel Fish, Hen Mazzig and Ben M. Freeman, attendees also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss). Participants also learned about one of the organization’s largest initiatives ever announced — the creation of a 20-acre World Zionist Village to be built in Be’er Sheva, Israel, which will bring together Jews and Zionists of all ages and backgrounds from around the world.

Additionally, through various engaging plenaries and interactive sessions including a “Shark Tank-style,” event, attendees were impressed to learn how Jewish National Fund-USA is the largest provider of Zionist educational activities in the U.S., and how it is improving the quality of life throughout Israel by providing new beginnings for Ukrainian refugees and families making aliyah (immigration to Israel); creating new employment and housing opportunities; delivering ag-tech solutions to farmers in developing countries; empowering people with disabilities to thrive in Israeli society; solving global food and water crises, and so much more.

“A dairy farm in the desert, a 100% off the grid aquatic center in the middle of nowhere, building the finest culinary institute in the world located in the Greater Kiryat Shmona area — a region in which people never before talked about moving to, only moving from,” said Jewish National Fund-USA’s CEO Russell F. Robinson. “This is our opportunity to stand up and say to the world and to future generations, ‘we are one and we are in!’”

“This conference was the most inspiring event I have participated in over the past few years,” added Gadi Ilan, a new member of the JNF-USA Austin Board of Directors. “The sessions and the presentations were done so professionally and with such high quality that it allowed anyone to thoroughly understand, in-depth, all of the incredible projects Jewish National Fund-USA supports and where the philanthropic dollars go to.”

Jewish National Fund-USA’s National Conference welcomed over 600 high school and college students from across the country. Other conference highlights included emotional performances by the organization’s Special in Uniform band, an initiative that empowers young people with cognitive disabilities to serve in the Israel Defense Forces and enjoy the same “rite of passage” as their peers. An exclusive late-night cocktail reception was also held for 200 young philanthropists ages 22-40.

Registration is now open for Jewish National Fund-USA’s 2023 International Conference for Israel which will take place from November 30-December 3 in Denver, Colorado. To learn more visit jnf.org/nc2023 or contact Chayla Furlong, JNF-USA Director, Central Texas at (512) 410-1438 x948 or CFurlong@jnf.org.