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Largest gathering of Jewish young professionals in New York City’s Central Park Zoo a roaring success

Event Chairs Anita Weiss, Andy Weiss, Michelle Kleger, and Ben Bokor
Event Chairs Anita Weiss, Andy Weiss, Michelle Kleger, and Ben Bokor

More than 450 young professionals came together on June 16 at New York’s Central Park Zoo for Jewish National Fund-USA’s 14th annual JNFuture Shabbat in the Park—one of the largest philanthropic events for pro-Israel supporters under-40 in the Northeast.

Attendees dressed in their best James Bond tuxedo and cocktail attire for the Casino Royale-themed community event, while networking and welcoming Shabbat with a candle-lighting ceremony and kiddush featuring Israeli wines provided by the Israel Wine Producers Association, followed by a fully catered dinner.

JNFuture NYC Board: Alex Szikla, Michele Rabinovitch, Ari Meridy, Allison Fine, Michael Nemirovsky, Alison Ederer, Shira Solomon, Ari Rubinstein, Julie Schipper, Josh Goodkin, Rachel Firestone, and Amanda Shane

Shabbat in the Park’s entertainment included a sea lion show and a performance by comedian and magician Rachel Wax, who entertained the crowd during the event’s exclusive VIP cocktail reception.

In addition, the event co-chairs, Michelle Kleger and Anita & Andy Weiss, provided remarks at the event, discussing how Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel.

Julie Schipper, Andie Firestone, Sierra Stone and Rachel Firestone

“We learn as Jews that action is more important than knowledge,” said Event Co-chair Andy Weiss. “Our traditions are filled with physical actions that reinforce and shape our spiritual practices. Jewish National Fund-USA creates a bright, prosperous future for the land and people of Israel, and has grown into an organization that seeks to enhance the quality of life for all of Israel’s citizens. Our time and money go towards meaningful projects that impact the lives of real people, many of whom are our brothers and sisters.”

To learn more about Jewish National Fund-USA, visit jnf.org or contact Michele Rabinovitch, Associate Director, JNFuture at mrabinovitch@jnf.org or 212.879.9305 x506.

Seth Mahl, Joshua Kaufman, and Josh Goodkin

About & contact the publisher
For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country’s future. Our work is focused on making Israel’s North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be’er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership.

Learn more at jnf.org.
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