NAPLES, December 30, 2024— Nearly 200 philanthropists seeking to rebuild Israel’s North and South united at the Vineyards Country Club on December 10, 2024, for Jewish National Fund-USA’s fourth annual Breakfast for Israel in Naples.
Linda Hyde; Sue Bookbinder, Member, Jewish National Fund-USA Naples Board of Directors; Nancy Kahn; Corky Kaplan
The event's honoree was local resident Hank Greenberg, a past member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Naples Board of Directors from 2012 to 2024.
Featured speaker Shahar Azani, a Senior Vice President at Jewish Broadcasting Service who previously served as a diplomat with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over 15 years and as the Executive Director for the Northeast Region at StandWithUs, provided a full-scale analysis of the rise of antisemitism, insight into Israeli issues that Americans aren’t hearing on the news, and reinforced Israeli resilience and a bright future ahead for the Jewish Homeland.
Keynote Speaker Shahar Azani
“We have gone through quite a dark year,” said Azani. “It hasn’t been easy. In the course of this past year, Israel and the Jewish People all across the world have been engaged in a war for our very existence. But it’s also been a year of great inspiration. We have seen true leadership come from the ranks of the IDF, and incredible young men and women going out into battle with their hearts full, knowing what they stand for. So, as we remember the pain of the last year, I urge each and every one of you to remember the heroism and look into the heart and courage of the Jewish People and the State of Israel.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s ambassadors (lay leaders) also provided an update about Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Build Together” and “Reimagine” plans to revitalize impacted communities in Israel’s North and South, providing the infrastructure and quality of life needed to allow residents to feel safe coming home.
Joshua Mellits, Director, Western Florida and Orlando, Jewish National Fund-USA; Hank Greenberg, Breakfast for Israel Honoree; Stuart Price, Member, Jewish National Fund-USA Naples Board of Directors
“In the aftermath of October 7, Jewish National Fund-USA has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting the land and people of Israel,” said Norman Isaacs, Co-President of the Naples Board of Directors. “We’ve mobilized resources to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by violence, ensuring that they have the necessary support to rebuild and recover. Our efforts have included funding for emergency services, psychological support, and community resilience programs.
We’ve also continued our longstanding initiatives to enhance infrastructure and education in Israel. This year, we’ve invested in sustainable agriculture projects, advanced water management systems, and green energy initiatives that are vital to Israel’s future. Our work to plant trees and create green spaces has provided not just environmental benefits, but also hope and healing for many.”
Azani addresses the crowd
For more information or to learn about future events in Naples, contact Joshua Mellits, Jewish National Fund-USA Director, Western Florida and Orlando at 941.462.1330 x865 or email jmellits@jnf.org.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.
