South Florida To Host Jewish National Fund’s 2017 National Conference

(New York, N.Y.; March 13, 2017)— Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA) is set to host this year’s National Conference in South Florida at The Diplomat Resort and Spa from November 10-13. JNF’s annual Conference brings together over a thousand committed leaders, philanthropists, young professionals, college students, and high school students from across the country and Israel for an impactful three-day experience to learn about the key issues of the day facing Israel and the world Jewish community.

"This is a fabulous opportunity to hear directly from those on the ground making a difference for, and in, Israel,” said JNF’s 2017 National Conference Co-Chair Vivian Grossman. “South Florida is so excited to host this year’s National Conference and I know participants will come away more educated, motivated, engaged, and ready to roll up their sleeves to support the land and people of Israel."

This year, JNF is honoring José María Aznar, former President of the Government of Spain, with the esteemed Shalom Peace Award for his dedication to peace, humanity, and efforts on behalf of the State of Israel. “We are thrilled to honor José María Aznar with the Shalom Peace Award,” said 2017 National Conference Co-Chair Benjamin Gutmann. “He is truly supportive of Israel and works to ensure that Spain and the entire European Union, recognize Israel as the bulwark of democracy in the Middle East. His support for Israel has been unwavering and we look forward to hearing his remarks in November.”

Throughout his two terms as President of the Government, from 1996 through 2004, Aznar led an important process of economic and social reform. He continues to advocate for a firm policy against terrorism, one that is against any kind of political concession, combined with close international cooperation between democratic countries. Under Aznar’s leadership, a high level group met in Paris in the middle of 2010 to launch a new project in defense of Israel’s right to exist. The "Friends of Israel Initiative" was created to counter the growing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and its right to live in peace within safe and defensible borders. Notable founding members of the Initiative include, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lord William David Trimble, Former Prime Minister to Canada Stephen Harper, Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard, British historian Andrew Roberts, and others.

“I feel deeply honored to receive this award and to be recognized with all of its meaning,” said Aznar. “I do believe in Israel as a dynamic, vibrant and promising country. Israel is an indispensable and vital part of the Western world and of our civilization, and I’m grateful for the positive effect of having a strong Israel at our side and for the many benefits the rest of the West.” Past recipients of the Shalom Peace Award, one of JNF’s highest honors, include: former Vice President Al Gore; Colin Powell, a former Secretary of State and retired four-star general; Jehan Sadat, the widow of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat; former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel (z’l); and most recently Ambassador Michael Oren at JNF’s 2015 National Conference in Chicago.

JNF’s National Conference also showcases the organization’s vision for the future of the land and people of Israel and the great successes it is enjoying. The annual event provides an opportunity for all participants to strengthen their connection to Israel and to one another over what is sure to be an incredible three days.

In 2016, JNF’s National Conference in New York City hosted over 1,200 participants, including 300 high school and college students and 150 members of JNF’s young professionals division, JNFuture. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in dozens of panels, discussions, and plenary sessions, which included inspiring speeches by Alan Dershowitz, Wall Street Journal’s Deputy Page Editor Bret Stephens, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon, Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan, JNF Chairman of the Board Ronald S. Lauder, as well as many more distinguished leaders, visionaries, and personalities.

Jewish National Fund’s 2017 National Conference is being held November 10-13 in South Florida at The Diplomat Resort and Spa (3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33019). To register for the event, please visit jnf.org/nc. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Roni Raab at rraab@jnf.org or 561-447-9733 x883.

To request press credentials for JNF’s 2017 National Conference, or to schedule an interview, please contact Adam Brill at abrill@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x222 and Donna Breitbart at dbreitbart@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x226.

For more information about event programing for JNF’s 2017 National Conference, contact Amy Penchansky at apenchansky@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x804.