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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jodi Bodner
JNF Director of Communications
212-879-9305 ext. 221
jbodner@jnf.org
Ruth Mekel
Media and PR Director
Israel Ministry of Tourism
212-499-5647
ruthmekel@imot.org
Israel’s Minister of Tourism to Address Crowd in Boston
Makes the Case to Visit Israel
August 31, 2006 -- Boston, MA -- Isaac Herzog, a member of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Security Cabinet and Israel’s Minister of Tourism will give the closing remarks at Jewish National Fund’s National Leadership Conference in Boston, MA on Monday, September 11, 2006. Urging everyone to visit Israel he will also address the current situation, the status of the north in the aftermath of the war, and the need for tourism to be stronger than ever.
One of the most prominent voices in Israeli and international media during the recent war with Lebanon, Herzog will speak at 2:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge. He will ask everyone to make the pledge to visit Israel and fill out an “I Believe in Israel” pledge card. Your coverage of his vital remarks is requested.
Several hundred lay leaders and community leaders will attend JNF’s two-day conference that begins Saturday evening September 9 and enjoy off-the-record briefings from high level American and Israel speakers, opportunities for dialogue among attendees who are coming together from all over the country, and a first-hand look at JNF’s vision for development of the Negev Desert and its plans to help revitalize the north and make it home again.
Even as war was raging in Israel this past summer, Herzog said one of the most heartening elements was the dedication of the American Jews who did not abandon their brethren. “Your support and encouragement warmed the heart of every Israeli and we extend our gratitude to you,” he said.
JNF personifies the Diaspora dedication to the Jewish homeland. Throughout its 105-year history, JNF has responded to the changing needs of the land and the people of Israel. Now is no different and even as JNF is in the midst of a $500 million worldwide campaign to develop the Negev Desert, it will also concentrate efforts on a northern renewal campaign.
“We made a covenant 105 years ago,” said JNF Chief Executive Officer Russell F. Robinson, “and we take that promise seriously. Our vision includes long-term development and short-term needs and whether it's community development, afforestation or water, whether it’s for people up north or down south, we are there and will always be there. JNF is Israel and is committed to it. We ask every Jew here to believe in it as well and to commit to go and see the glory of the land and the special people who live there.”
About Isaac Herzog:
Isaac Herzog was appointed Minister of Tourism in May 2006. Born in Israel in 1960, he holds a degree in law from Tel Aviv University and is an attorney by profession. He is the son of the late Chaim Herzog, sixth president of the State of Israel. He is a major in the Israel Defense Forces reserves.
Isaac Herzog served as Minister of Housing and Construction from January to November 2005, as Secretary of the Economic-Social Council (1988-1990), as Government Secretary (1999-2001), and as Chairman of the Anti-Drug Authority (2000-2003).
Elected to the 16th Knesset in 2003, he has served as a member of Knesset committees devoted to finance, internal affairs, the environment and drug abuse, and as Israel Labor Party Parliamentary Group Whip. He has chaired the Lobby for the War Against Drugs in Israel; the Lobby for Tourism in Israel; the Lobby for Youth in Israel; and the Municipal Lobby. He is a member of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the Environmental Lobby. He is also chairman of the Israel-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Union.
He speaks Hebrew, English and Arabic, and has published articles in Israel and worldwide media. He is married, and has three children.
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Jewish National Fund is a non-profit organization founded in 1901 to serve as caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners—Jewish people everywhere. Over the past century, JNF has planted over 240 million trees, built over 180 reservoirs and dams, developed over 250,000 acres of land, created more than 1,000 parks, provided the infrastructure for 1,000 communities and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment. Today, JNF is putting its century of experience to work with the Blueprint Negev initiative, supporting Israel’s newest generation of pioneers in developing the Negev Desert, Israel’s last frontier. For more information on JNF or to plant trees in Israel, call 1-800-542-TREE (8733) or visit www.jnf.org. To contact your local office, please call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.
