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June 6, 2003/Sivan 6 5763, Vol. 55, No. 41
JNF reaches out
BARRY COHEN
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 Future Herzl Society member Sam Coles of Arizona, son of members Francine and Scott, does his part for Israel at a recent JNF reception held at his home. Photo courtesy of Jewish National Fund |
The Herzl Society, founded one year ago to celebrate JNF's 100th anniversary, recognizes donors who have contributed at least $5,000 to the JNF annual campaign or at least $10,000 annually to the planned giving campaign; altogether, there are approximately 600 members of the Herzl Society nationwide, according to a press release.
The fact that 15 Valley residents belong to the Herzl society shows that "we have just done a good job of getting the story out of the tremendous needs in Israel," says Ted Kort, regional JNF director.
"Our whole focus is on environmental and quality of life issues, not guns or security," he adds.
One example is how JNF-funded efforts help provide Israeli farmers with adequate sources of water to cultivate crops.
"A major gifts society is an important vehicle between encouraging grassroots participation in the Diaspora and developing projects - such as the reservoirs and other water reclamation programs JNF is implementing to alleviate Israel's water crisis - that have the capacity to impact the life of every person in Israel," says Ron Barness, Phoenix resident and Herzl Society member.
An ongoing challenge is to cultivate the givers who will one day become Herzl Society participants, says Kort. "Our biggest and best method is breakfast events," he says. At the most recent event on April 30 there were 300 people in attendance and 200 were new to JNF, he notes.