Yavneh, a leading organization in Jewish leadership development, is proud to announce the receipt of two significant grants from the Jewish National Fund-USA. These grants will support Yavneh’s on-campus initiatives and Young Professional Programming, further strengthening the organization’s mission to cultivate the next generation of Modern Orthodox leaders.
Yavneh has partnered with the Jewish National Fund-USA since 2020, creating a powerful alliance that has transformed the landscape of Jewish leadership and Israeli advocacy on college campuses across North America. This continued support will enable Yavneh to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
Yavneh on Campus, one of the grant recipients, has built a national network of more than 400 student leaders on 75 campuses. These leaders organize hundreds of annual programs that impact thousands of students, fostering a strong connection between the next generation of Modern Orthodox leaders and JNF-USA’s mission to ensure a prosperous, secure and strong future for the people and Land of Israel.
The second grant will support Yavneh Young Professional (YP) programming, which focuses on community building and peer leadership for post-college young adults. This initiative creates a continuum for engaged college Jewish leaders to become the leaders and philanthropists of tomorrow.
Rabbi Jonathan Shulman, director of Yavneh, expressed his gratitude. “Yavneh would not be what it is today without the support and partnership of the Jewish National Fund-USA. Together, we have transformed the lives of thousands of young adults and are seeding the next generation of Zionist leaders. We have created a fantastic and fruitful partnership, and we believe that we are just starting to scratch the surface of what we can achieve together.”
The impact of this partnership is evident in the experiences of Yavneh participants. Zach Magerman, a Yavneh Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, said: “The Yavneh Jewish National Fund-USA Israel trip helped me recognize how resilient Israel has been through the complexities of the war and is empowering me every day to do whatever I can to fight for Am Yisrael, both in Israel and the U.S.”
Eitan, a student at Columbia University, added: “Jewish National Fund-USA has transformed my Yavneh experience with their incredible and powerful programming. From packing food for the hungry to volunteering on a farm, I’ve not only helped those in need but also bonded with my friends over our shared love for Israel.”
“Following Oct. 7, we are in a generation-defining moment,” said Boruchin Center chair Scott Schreiber. “Jewish National Fund-USA is proud to support Yavneh and its work to promote the next generation of Jewish leaders. While dark clouds remain, Yavneh students represent the many rays of light and hope that sustain our belief that our best days are yet to come.”
With these new grants, Yavneh aims to increase engagement by 25% in the coming year, enhancing the quality and frequency of engagement opportunities for students and young professionals across the country.
For more information about Yavneh and its partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA, visit: yavnehoncampus.org.
