JNF nurtures future leaders
The tour focused on strengthening cultural identity, inspiring Zionist values and building strong connections with JNF partners on the ground in Israel and between the delegates.
SIXTEEN selected young adults from across Australia recently returned from a JNFuture leadership delegation to Israel in honour of the country’s 75th birthday.
The delegation travelled across Israel to grasp firsthand the country’s landscape and communities, achievements and challenges.
From fruit picking in the desert, to start-up innovations and Zionist advocacy, participants experienced Israel through a JNF lens. They visited JNF projects across the country, interacted with a variety of beneficiaries and shared a diverse range of experiences and speakers.
“It’s a great privilege to lead young adults in Israel. Her spiritual and cultural sites create an experience you can’t feel anywhere else, and it is so important for the connection between Israel and the youth in the Diaspora,” JNF Victoria education officer Eldad Shoham said.
The tour focused on strengthening cultural identity, inspiring Zionist values and building strong connections with JNF partners on the ground in Israel and between the delegates.
“These connections serve as a vital network of support and collaboration, facilitating future leadership endeavours,” JNF project coordinator Etty Ayalon said.
JNFuture NSW committee member Michael Gurevich said the trip was “an incredibly unique experience, that showed the small, vibrant country in a way that I have never seen before”.
“Taking a trip to all four borders and countless JNF-touched communities, provided new insights into the complexities of the region and how we can better support those who live in the harsher climates of the Negev, Arava and kibbutzim on the border,” he said.
“The ability to connect with young Jewish people on such a personal level, especially those who are passionate about supporting Israel, I believe is the key to strengthening our community and Israel as a whole.
“I would like to thank JNF for the opportunity to attend and my peers for a surreal experience. I would encourage any young leaders within our community to attend this trip, as it will only benefit you and our community.”
JNF NSW executive director Justine Williams said the participants have returned “as JNFuture advocates”.
“Israel provides a transformative experience that equips young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and passion to guide and shape their communities,” she said.
JNF CEO Dan Springer said the organisation “recognises the importance of nurturing Jewish continuity and young adult leadership”.
“Investing in these experiences today ensures a brighter future, where a new generation of Jewish leaders will proudly carry the torch of their heritage and contribute to a vibrant and thriving Jewish community both here and in Israel.”
Join JNFuture: jnf.org.au/jnfuture
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