New Haven Community Unites to Support Israel’s Rebuilding Efforts

Recently, nearly 100 community members united at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven for Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Building Tomorrow: Youth, Zionism, and the Future of Israel” reception, where attendees showed their support for the land and people of Israel while learning how the organization is spearheading rebuilding efforts in Israel’s northern and southern regions.

Co-chaired by Dr. Steven Levine, Dr. Arthur Seltzer, Margie & Eric Berg, and Dr. Dan Goodman, the event’s keynote speaker was Ido Reichman-Eisikovitz. As one of the leaders of the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported Green Horizons, he works to develop the leadership skills of thousands of Israeli youths, educating them about their country’s rich history and Zionist values. A Major in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Reserves, Reichman-Eisikovitz has also served in Gaza during the recent war, along with many Israelis who were part of Green Horizons. He discussed the trauma Israeli kids have experienced, and how Green Horizons has helped them through its programming.

"After October 7, we immediately knew that we need to step up for the challenge,” he said. “These children lost their homes, schools, and sense of security. Our programs have become a pathway back to hope and healing. When I see a child who hasn't smiled in months discover joy again in nature, I know this work is essential for Israel's future.”

Lay leaders also highlighted how Jewish National Fund-USA is leading efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate Israel’s battered North and South through its Build Together and Reimagine plans. By investing in new housing sites, employment initiatives, medical centers, mental health services, schools, playgrounds, resilience centers, and more, the organization is creating multiple “circles of impact” that support its vision of attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s frontier regions.

“We build playgrounds. We build bomb shelters. We build and maintain historic sites,” said Event Co-chair Dr. Steven Levine. “Our giving provides emergency services. We support farmers, teachers, and soldiers. We bring water to dry land. We educate, empower, and strengthen the next generation. We are shaping the chapters to come, rebuilding, revitalizing, and rejuvenating Israel – better and stronger than before.”

Community members also discussed their experiences participating in one of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Volunteer in Israel Missions, where they played a role in rebuilding communities that were impacted by the horrific October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks while bearing witness to the atrocities that were committed.

“We picked lemons on a farm just a few kilometers from the Gaza border,” said Event Co-chair Dr. Arthur Seltzer. “We planted, weeded, and made gift packages for soldiers, which we later delivered when we visited them on base. We planted saplings and visited the Kotel. We heard stories from brave soldiers and security personnel who displayed heroism on October 7 and beyond. We visited the site of the Nova Music Festival and saw the hundreds of cars that were burnt and destroyed by Hamas.”

In addition, attendees were invited to attend Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel taking place in Hollywood, FL, this fall, from Thursday, October 23 to Sunday, October 26, 2025 (jnf.org/gc).

For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in New Haven and Southern New England, visit jnf.org or contact Karen Rabinovici, at krabinovici@jnf.org or 203.692.4643 x819.

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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.