Neighbor News
Supporters Rally for Israel’s Future at Virginia Breakfast for Israel
Over 200 community members learned how the organization is rebuilding damaged communities in Israel's North and South
On April 25, 2025, over 200 philanthropists united at Congregation Olam Tikvah for Jewish National Fund-USA’s annual Breakfast for Israel in Virginia, where community members supported the land and people of Israel while learning how the organization is spearheading post-October 7 rebuilding initiatives in Israel’s North and South.
Co-chaired by Paul Driessen and Mary Sue Miranda, the event’s keynote speaker was Jonathan Tobin, the award-winning Editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate and a senior contributor for The Federalist. He is also a columnist for Newsweek and Israel Hayom, where he covers American politics, foreign policy, the U.S.-Israel relationship, Middle East diplomacy, and the Jewish world. Tobin provided insights about how the media portrays Israel, calling out the bias he sees on a daily basis.
“Even before the Israel Defense Forces launched its counterattack to eradicate the forces that had brazenly assaulted the one Jewish State on the planet, much of the press coverage was portraying the side that started the war with barbaric atrocities as the real victims, while Israelis were depicted as the aggressors,” said Tobin. “Rather than advocacy for a humanitarian goal, this is a new form of an age-old blood libel in which the Jews are singled out for sentiments that would be universal in any country put in a similar situation.”
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Local lay leaders also discussed the organization’s bold and visionary Build Together plan for Israel’s South and Reimagine plan for the North, and how the organization is partnering with Israelis in the region to repair, rehabilitate, and renovate damaged communities while ensuring critical services are established. From bomb shelters and resilience centers to quality-of-life projects and crucial infrastructure development, Jewish National Fund-USA is addressing the physical and psychological needs of Israelis living on Israel's northern and southern frontiers.
“We are leveraging our vast philanthropic investments made prior to October 7 to lead rebuilding efforts,” said Event Co-chair Mary Sue Miranda. “In partnership with the people of Israel, we are creating secure, beautiful havens for the residents of displaced communities to return home to and enticing new residents to join.”
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Event Co-chair Paul Driessen also noted that they witnessed and participated in Israel’s rehabilitation firsthand on one of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Volunteer in Israel Missions, directly bringing much-needed aid to Israel’s most affected communities. Over the last 16 months, the organization has run weekly volunteer missions with over 3,700 participants, including over 100 from the Greater Washington area.
“We painted playgrounds and buildings, built picnic tables, tended tomatoes, picked lemons, and much more – and received warm, heartfelt gratitude everywhere we went,” said Driessen. “There’s never been a more critical time to come to Israel, and there’s no better way to do it than with Jewish National Fund-USA. Israel needs your helping hands and the warmth of your smile, and she also needs you to invest in the country to help the hard-hit economy.”
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Virginia, 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.
