Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, in a Jewish Mexican home, Yael Kuchinsky grew up with a strong connection to her diverse heritage and culture. “My parents moved from Mexico City a few years before I was born, and their connection to Judaism is what helped them fit in and be successful in a new country,” she said. “That passion and connection to Jewish culture was instilled in me from a young age.”
Yael Kuchinsky
That culture includes a fervent Zionism and strong support for the land and people of Israel. For Kuchinsky, her Zionism was cemented when she was 13 and made her first trip to Israel. “When I stepped off the plane for the first time, I felt a sense of comfort take over me,” she said. “As I hiked in the Golan, had a meal with a Druze family, and placed a note in the Western Wall, I felt like I belonged.”
Kuchinsky is now excited to share that passion for Israel with her home state every single day. As Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) new Campaign Executive for JNFuture in Texas, she can’t wait to spread her love for the land and people of Israel and the amazing work JNF-USA does in terms of helping the environment, supporting people with disabilities, building medical centers, creating jobs, and so much more. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to share the mission of Jewish National Fund-USA with my community, and I’m confident that together we will accomplish big things,” she said.
Yael in Israel
We spoke to Kuchinsky about her background with JNFuture, the growth and potential of the Jewish community in Texas, and what she hopes to accomplish in her new position.
How did you first learn about JNFuture?
My introduction to Jewish National Fund-USA was through a JNFuture event I attended in Dallas a few months ago. It wasn’t until this moment that I realized the hand that JNF-USA played in the history of Israel and the incredible amount of work that this organization does to ensure a prosperous future for the land and people. This is when I discovered it was possible for me to connect my passion as a Zionist with my profession.
What do young Jewish professionals hope to gain from an organization like JNFuture?
JNFuture is a community of like-minded young professionals (age 22-40) who share a love for Israel. There are many ways to be engaged with JNFuture, and each has a benefit. Some involvement opportunities include community building, attending events, traveling on mission trips to Israel, charitable giving, and even holding a leadership role. No matter your passion, there’s a place for you with JNFuture!
Why do you think more young Jewish professionals are moving to Texas?
Apart from financial reasons – no state income tax, cheap land, etc. Texas offers a great quality of life. There is a boom in higher wages and employment opportunities due to companies moving their headquarters to Texas. Texas also has a rich Jewish history dating from the 16th century, and it is evident in the presence of the Jewish communities in the large cities. There are many options for involvement depending on denominational background and specific interests. Jobs, diversity, and great weather are just some of the few reasons that people are drawn to the Lone Star State!
What do you hope to achieve in your new role as JNFuture’s Executive Director in Texas?
My purpose is to bring JNF-USA’s vision to life – ensure a better future for Israel and all Israeli and Jewish people. I want to build a network of young professionals who can learn and grow together. My goal is to provide a space where individuals can share unique experiences that will help establish their own personal connection with the land of Israel.
Join Yael and young professionals in Dallas for the upcoming JNFuture Sip & Schmooze event on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. The event begins at 6:30 pm at HG Sply Co. Enjoy drinks, Kosher nosh, and mingling on a rooftop, and hear from guest speaker, Avnet Kleiner, Director of Development at JNF-USA affiliate, ADI Negev - Nahalat Eran. Sign up at jnf.org/SipandSchmooze or contact Yael directly at ykuchinsky@jnf.org or 214.433.6600 x943.