JEWISH NATIONAL FUND ARRIVES IN OUR NATION’S CAPITALMore than 1,000 to Take Part in Annual National Conference in Washington, D.C.
Sept. 13-15

August 5, 2019 – Washington, D.C. – The nation’s capital will play host to the largest ever Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA) National Conference, taking place between September 13-15, at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. This year’s conference will bring together over 1,000 Jewish and Israeli leaders, philanthropists, and students from across the U.S. and Israel to be inspired, energized, and educated about JNF-USA’s vital mission.

JNF-USA is the premier fundraising organization for nation building projects in Israel, where its One Billion Dollar Roadmap initiative is supporting population growth in the north and south, connecting the next generation to Israel, developing vital infrastructure, promoting sound ecological and forestry management, and preserving heritage sites in Israel.

Of significant note is that this year’s National Conference will include the participation of over 450 teens and young adults, accounting for over 40% of all Conference attendees. Over 300 high school and college students, as well as 150 JNFuture members—JNF’s fastest growing demographic group comprised of young adults—make up a large component of the group that will gather and promote their connection to the Jewish homeland.

“We are excited that JNF-USA’s National Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. this year, and look forward to welcoming our JNF-USA family and friends,” said conference chairs Jayne Klein and Gary Kushner. “In addition to learning about the diverse programs JNF-USA supports to enhance life in Israel, attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear from speakers that only Jewish National Fund can offer.”

Speakers Announced

An unprecedented lineup of prominent speakers will celebrate Israel’s achievements while highlighting the important work that JNF-USA undertakes on the ground in Israel.  

Speakers include:

• Ron Dermer, Israel's Ambassador to the United States
• Elan Carr, U.S. Special Envoy for Monitoring and Combatting Anti-Semitism, who will discuss his role advising the Secretary of State
• Lucy Aharish, first Muslim Israeli-Arab news anchor, reporter, and television host, who will discuss life as an Israeli-Arab woman in media
• Erica Brown, professor and director of the Mayberg Center for Jewish Education and Leadership at George Washington University, who will discuss the challenges facing Jewish identity today
• Matti Friedman, award-winning author and New York Times contributor, will discuss Israel and its portrayal in the media.  

This year’s conference will also feature a major plenary, providing a glimpse into some of JNF-USA’s cutting-edge and revolutionary initiatives in the development of Israel’s Galilee and Negev regions.

“Israel is the innovation capital of the world and JNF-USA’s work to develop groundbreaking technology and R&D projects in Israel’s north and south will be on full display at this year’s conference. There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in the development of Israel’s peripheral regions as they play a greater role in the story that is Israel—the ‘Start-Up’ nation,” said JNF-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson.

To register for the opportunity to hear from the world’s experts on the major issues of our time and learn about Jewish National Fund’s impactful work in Israel, contact Lara Spitz at LSpitz@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x833. For media registration, contact Daniel Peri at dperi@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x227.

Act now: 2019 National Conference registrants receive a special reduced rate for National Conference 2020 in Israel!