Young professionals gain insight into Israel, its people and communities

A group of young professionals recently completed an intensive week in Israel as part of Jewish National Fund-USA's JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission. The invitation-only program brought selected members of JNFuture, the organization's community for professionals ages 22-40 already serving in lay leadership roles, to develop their skills and deepen their connection to the country.

During the visit, participants engaged in leadership training and workshops while observing Jewish National Fund-USA's initiatives across Israel's northern and southern regions. They spent Shabbat with lone soldiers, volunteered with Israel Defense Forces soldiers, and worked with residents at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, experiencing firsthand how the organization supports Israelis across different circumstances.

"For those who are hearing the headlines, Israel is much more than a headline and I think you have to be here and see it to believe it," Said Ari Meridy, JNFuture Tri-State board member and chair of the mission. "You get inundated so much with the headlines, so you come here and you really get to experience the country and the way that it's living and operating."

The program included a networking session at the Lauder Employment Center, where participants connected with young Israeli professionals from various industries. This allowed the visiting leaders to build relationships and gain insight into career experiences in Israel.

Matthew Halpern, national director of JNFuture, described the week as a series of connected experiences. "From the moment we started in Tel Aviv to welcome Shabbat to our final dinner, each moment built on the previous one," He said, noting that participants developed as philanthropists and community builders.

Participants left with renewed commitment to their work with the organization. "Coming away from this trip, I think it's now clearer to me than ever how urgent the work is that we're doing and how important every single project is to the future of the land of Israel," Said participant Robert Bernton, who plans to advocate for the organization's work and fundraising efforts.