Counterterrorism Expert Combats Israel Misinformation

On April 3, 2025, nearly 450 philanthropists united at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville for Jewish National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel in Greater Washington, where community members supported the land and people of Israel while awaiting the return of the hostages still held by Hamas and learning how the organization is spearheading post-October 7 rebuilding initiatives in Israel’s North and South.

Co-chaired by Jill & Fred Lewis and Larry Fishbein, the event’s keynote speaker was Col. Richard Kemp, a decorated military leader with 30 years of experience fighting terrorism in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Drawing on his extensive time inside Gaza with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over the past 18 months and his presence during each conflict between Israel and Hamas since Operation Cast Lead in 2008, Kemp highlighted Israel’s military actions. He explained how Israel is one of the most moral armies in the world while countering many of the lies and misinformation spread about the Jewish Homeland.

“I’ve been to Israel many times during every conflict that Israel’s had in Gaza and spent most of the last year in Israel observing the conflict,” said Kemp. “The reality is that Israel is fighting this war very effectively according to the laws of armed conflict in a way that’s actually superior to most armies. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, so I know that 99% of what people say about the war in Gaza is lies designed for one purpose – to delegitimize the State of Israel.”

Local lay leaders also discussed Jewish National Fund-USA’s circles of impact, in which every project, vision, and program supports job creation, community resilience, and economic development—key drivers of population growth in Israel’s Negev and Galilee regions. Event Co-chair Jill Lewis noted that when she went on one of the organization’s Volunteer in Israel missions, she saw how deep the organization’s impact extended.

“Jewish National Fund-USA is investing in infrastructure, tourism, housing, jobs, environmental projects, and programs for people with disabilities, all to support economic and population growth in less developed areas of Israel in the North and South,” said Lewis. “Every time we told someone we were there to support the land and people of Israel the response was surprise and then immense appreciation. My takeaway was that the mission was less about how much fruit you could pick [while volunteering on Israeli farms] and more about showing up for Israel and its people.”

They also noted Jewish National Fund-USA’s vast programs that support Zionist education, pointing out that it is more important than ever to prepare students for the potential antisemitism and misinformation they may face in college. Leaders specifically cited the organization’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study abroad in Israel experience as a particularly effective method of teen leadership development.

“Going to college should not be an act of courage,” said Event Co-chair Fred Lewis. “We must provide our kids the opportunity to find their voice, advocate for who they are, and make the world a better and safer place. Muss is the answer — a semester-abroad program that combines rigorous academics with immersive experiences in the land of our heritage, where they not only learn history but live it. They gain independence, lifelong friends, and the tools to proudly stand up for Israel and the Jewish people.”

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

For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Greater Washington, visit jnf.org or contact Adam Tennen, at atennen@jnf.org or 301.589.8565 x842.

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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.