NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2025 — 30 Jewish National Fund-USA supporters aged 55 and over recently traveled to Israel to take part in the organization’s Sunshine Volunteer Mission, providing hands-on support to Israeli communities recovering from the war and delivering critical aid while strengthening the unbreakable bond between diaspora Jewry and the land and people of Israel.
Participants harvested crops with Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate HaShomer HaChadash in the Negev and Galilee to prevent food shortages in Israel. They rebuilt homes and public spaces in Israel’s evacuated communities in the North and cooked meals for soldiers and displaced Israelis. They even visited Israelis with disabilities, bringing joy while learning about the organization’s initiatives to create a more inclusive society for those with all abilities.
“One of the most moving moments for me was visiting ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran,” said mission participant Lori Pinchasick, referring to the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported rehabilitation village in Israel’s South for children and adults with developmental disabilities. “They embody hope and humanity in its purest form. Witnessing the dedication of the staff and the courage of the residents was humbling and inspiring.”
Morris Brown, Vivien Sandler, Stan Fineman, and Howard Peck prepare food for Israeli soldiers
Volunteers also visited Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and the site of the Nova Music Festival massacre near Kibbutz Re’im, bearing witness to one of the most tragic days in Israeli history and offering solidarity with the people of Israel, giving not only their time and labor, but also their presence during one of the most difficult chapters in recent memory. This was exemplified on the final day, when participants planted trees at Ben Shemen Forest in memory of the lives lost on October 7.
“This trip wasn’t just about seeing the land—it was about connecting with its people and its spirit,” added Pinchasick, who also recently opened a Donor Advised Fund with Jewish National Fund. “We were grateful to help in any way, whether it was planting, pruning, painting, or cooking and packing meals for soldiers. It was a powerful reminder of why supporting Israel matters, not just for those who live there but all of us who believe in resilience, innovation, and hope.”
The Sunshine Volunteer Mission was part of the organization’s broader initiative that has seen more than 4,000 Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers contribute to the renewal of Israeli communities devastated by the October 7 attacks. These Missions support the organization’s Build Together plan for Israel’s South and Reimagine plan for the North, rebuilding Israel’s periphery and creating circles of impact that drive population growth, with the goal of attracting 800,000 new residents to these regions.
The next Sunshine Volunteer Mission to Israel for active adults 55+ will take place November 2–6, 2025. To learn more or sign up, visit jnf.org/sunshinevolunteerfall. 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).
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
