Philanthropists in the tristate gathered recently at the Ronald S. Lauder JNF House on the Upper East Side of Manhattan for a Jewish National Fund-USA’s Planned Giving Luncheon. Community members took part in Chanukah-themed festivities while learning how their support is helping to rebuild Israel’s south and reimagine the north.
The event’s keynote speaker was Shahar Azani, a former Israeli diplomat who now leads the fight for Israel in the international media arena as the senior vice president at Jewish Broadcasting Service. Azani discussed lessons all Jews should know for a post-Oct. 7 world, his experiences with antisemitism throughout the years and why he remains optimistic about the nation’s future.
“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 across the world have been engaged in a war for our very existence. But it’s also been a year of great inspiration.”
He continued, saying “we have seen true leadership come from the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces, 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.”
Attendees also heard from Jewish National Fund-USA’s CEO Russell F. Robinson, who discussed how in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 the organization supported evacuees from the Negev and Galilee, and is now rebuilding both regions so families can move back through its “Build Together” and “Reimagine” initiatives.
“With your help, Jewish National Fund-USA has been there for the land and people of Israel before Oct. 7, during the past year and will be there in the future,” Robinson said. “On that day and the months that followed, we helped to evacuate people from the south along the Gaza Envelope, as well as in the north. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide housing, basic necessities, medical care and more for the evacuees. And now, because of your help, 85% of those who evacuated from the Israel Envelope have returned to their homes.”
In addition, planned giving professionals discussed how individuals can meet their personal, financial and estate planning goals through charitable giving. From donor-advised funds to charitable gift annuities, experts walked the crowd through different ways they can support the land and people of Israel while maximizing their tax and fiscal benefits.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Planned Giving opportunities, visit: jnflegacy.org. You can also contact a planned giving specialist at 800-562-7526 (plannedgiving@jnf.org).
