OJNF-USAWomen for Israel Luncehon featured Speaker, lga Meshoe Washington. Courtesy: Olga Meshoe Washington 

By Jennifer Milton 

In 1898, the World Zionist Congress included the right for women to vote, a visionary step forward long before most nations even considered women’s suffrage. Twenty-five years ago, 17 visionary women banded together to establish the foundational base for Jewish National Fund-USA’s philanthropic Women for Israel Societies, to take charge of their own charitable giving and help steer the organization forward in its quest to build a better future for the land and people of Israel. 

In celebration of female-driven philanthropy, Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Women for Israel Luncheon will return to Austin on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the Epstein Family Community Hall/Gloria & Harvey Evans Performance Center on the Dell Jewish Community Campus. 

“I am honored to join hands with the Austin Women for Israel Committee in supporting this important event,” said Robyn Sperling, JNF-USA Austin Board Member and Co-Chair of the event. “Jewish National Fund-USA is woven into the very framework of Israel, and we’re lucky to have a strong group of female supporters in Austin contributing to our vital work. This event will be a treat you don’t want to miss, and we can’t wait to see you there!” 

The luncheon will explore the driving forces behind why women from different backgrounds proudly stand up for Israel and will feature inspirational speaker Olga Meshoe Washington, CEO of Defend Embrace Invest (in) Support Israel (DEISI). A South African Christian Zionist, she will take guests through her personal journey to becoming a vocal advocate for Israel and what Zionists can do to amplify their voices within their communities. 

“It’s affirming and inspiring to connect with very diverse and passionate pro-Israel activists,” said Cheryl Fulton, JNF-USA Austin Board Member and Chair of the Austin Women for Israel Committee. “I am excited for Olga Washington to visit Austin and for the women of our community to hear her unique and compelling perspective.” 

Jewish National Fund-USA’s local Women for Israel community in Austin helps foster one-on-one connections with Israelis and offers pro-Israel women an opportunity to cultivate the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to participate in positive developments in Israel. It also offers programming and events with high-caliber speakers that provide a platform for women in Austin to hear about their impact on everything from Zionist education to creating new employment and housing opportunities, water solutions, healthcare initiatives, fire and rescue services, or even empowering people with disabilities and helping make Israel an inclusive and accessible society. 

Today, Women for Israel partners (donors) have accounted for approximately 33% of Jewish National Fund-USA’s total annual giving, with $30 million supporting the organization’s game-changing initiatives in Israel’s north and south. 

For more information and to register, visit jnf.org/atxwfi or contact Chayla Furlong, Director, Central Texas, at cfurlong@jnf.org or call (512) 410-1438 x948.