Jewish National Fund-USA opens Israel conference with multigenerational Zionist stories

Jewish National Fund-USA used the opening session of its Global Conference for Israel in San Diego to link 125 years of history with new investments in housing, education and community-building. Hal Linden and Lior Raz joined donors, students and leaders for a program centered on Israel’s future and the organization’s expanding impact.

Why it matters: - Jewish National Fund-USA used the opening session of its Global Conference for Israel to frame its 125-year history as a launch point for new work in Israel. - The event connected philanthropy, youth education and regional development to the organization’s push to strengthen communities in Israel’s North and South. - The program emphasized long-term engagement, from tree certificates and Blue Box traditions to housing, agriculture, healthcare and immersive Israel education.

What happened: - Jewish National Fund-USA opened its Global Conference for Israel in San Diego, California, with a mainstage program focused on multigenerational Zionist commitment. - Actor Hal Linden and Lior Raz joined philanthropists, students, Israeli community leaders and other changemakers for the session. - Jewish National Fund-USA Chairman and Conference Co-Chair Dr. Sol Lizerbram welcomed attendees and highlighted the organization’s work in Israel’s South. - The program paired personal stories with a message that Jewish National Fund-USA is building the next chapter for Israel.

The details: - Linden, known for Barney Miller, appeared in a staged conversation with a recent graduate from Muss High School Israel. - The exchange traced the Jewish people’s journey from the dream of a homeland to the work of building communities across Israel. - The program linked the Jewish National Fund Blue Box and tree-planting certificates to modern investments in housing, employment, agriculture, education and community life. - Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson said, “The Jewish people do not wait for history to happen - we make history happen.” - Robinson added that the organization sees the moment as a call to build, dream, lead and write the next chapter. - Philanthropist Steve Braverman honored his late father, Neil, by describing a family path that began with trees donated for his bar mitzvah and expanded to therapeutic horseback riding in Israel’s South and the Braverman Innovation Hub in Mitzpe Ramon. - Braverman said, “Throughout the entire process, we were partners, not just donors.” - Jordan Goldberg said his grandmother, Sheila Wexler, gave her grandchildren tree certificates each Chanukah, which helped inspire his Aliyah. - Goldberg now lives with his fiancée in Kibbutz Gonen and serves as farm manager for the Galilee Culinary Institute. - Goldberg said, “When you plant a tree, you plant a dream.” - Natalie and Elysa Goldman described working together through Jewish National Fund-USA’s Housing Development Fund. - The fund provides interest-free loans for housing site development and helps communities in Israel’s North and South welcome new families. - Deb Lust Zaluda, Jewish National Fund-USA National President, described the organization’s “Circles of Impact” strategy as interconnected initiatives that reinforce one another. - Zaluda said each project she visited was linked to the next and that the organization’s strategic vision was driving real change. - Muss High School Israel students Lucy and Evan said living and studying in Israel strengthened their Jewish identities, confidence and sense of responsibility. - Noa Zer of Israel’s Arava region said Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting the next generation of agricultural innovators through investments in agricultural high schools in the North and South. - Raz added humor to the program when he introduced Robinson and joked that Robinson was the room’s real celebrity. - Robinson closed by calling on attendees to visit Israel, support immersive Israel education for teenagers and take personal responsibility for Jewish leadership. - Robinson said the organization aims to bring 10,000 teenagers annually to Muss High School Israel. - Robinson also pointed to continued commitment to communities rebuilding after October 7.

Between the lines: - The event blended nostalgia with strategy, using familiar symbols and family stories to make a case for modern philanthropy. - Jewish National Fund-USA is positioning its work as a network of connected investments rather than a series of separate projects. - The focus on students and young professionals suggested an effort to turn emotional ties to Israel into long-term leadership and giving.

What's next: - Jewish National Fund-USA will continue promoting its Global Conference for Israel and its broader work for the land and people of Israel. - Robinson’s 10,000-student goal signals a larger push to scale immersive Israel education. - The organization also appears set to keep directing support toward rebuilding and regional development in the wake of October 7.

The bottom line: - Jewish National Fund-USA is using its anniversary moment to argue that historical identity, donor engagement and youth education should drive the next phase of nation-building in Israel.