SAN DIEGO – Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF) hosted its annual Stand with Israel Luncheon at the Hilton San Diego BayFront on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The event brought together community members, supporters, and thought leaders to stand in solidarity with Israel.
Featuring an impactful lineup of speakers, the luncheon was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unwavering support that JNF provides to Israel, especially during challenging times.
The event’s featured speaker, Colonel Richard Kemp, captivated the audience with his vast military experience and sharp geopolitical insights. A former British military commander, Kemp has served in some of the world’s most intense conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans. His expertise on counterterrorism and military ethics made his speech particularly compelling.
Kemp provided a fascinating historical perspective, revealing that both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas were KGB agents, each assigned ID numbers and code names. He explained how the concept of ‘Palestinians’ was a Soviet creation, with Russia acting as the mastermind behind the movement.
He also addressed Turkey’s shifting stance on Israel, warning that tensions could escalate into a future conflict. Having personally witnessed both the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Gaza conflict, Kemp compared the two, emphasizing that the Israel-Hamas war is the most complex conflict he has ever encountered.
He explained that unlike traditional military battles, Hamas exploits civilians as human shields and operates within an elaborate underground tunnel network spanning over 300 miles—more intricate than London’s underground Tube system. Despite these challenges, Kemp expressed deep admiration for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their commitment to minimizing civilian casualties while defending their nation.
The luncheon concluded with a Q&A session, at which attendees eagerly sought further insights from Colonel Kemp. The demand for discussion was so high that time constraints left many questions unanswered—an indication of how engaged and invested the audience was in the discourse.
Preceding Kemp’s speech a solemn moment of silence honored those who perished in the past year. As is tradition, attendees then recited the Motzi, the blessing over bread, before enjoying a delightful meal. This opening set the tone for an afternoon filled with inspiration, education, and a deep sense of community.
Cynthia Hizami, JNF’s Director of Planned Giving for the West Coast, took the stage to highlight the organization’s achievements. She spoke about JNF’s innovative responses to the ongoing war in Israel, showcasing how the organization’s projects directly impact Israeli communities. Hizami also emphasized the financial benefits of donating, explaining how contributions not only support JNF’s mission but can also be advantageous for donors from a tax perspective. She invited attendees to reach out to explore how their philanthropy could align with their financial planning goals.
One of the most impressive moments of the event came from Mia Farkash, a 16-year-old student who passionately spoke about the importance of the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program. Her speech was nothing short of phenomenal—delivered with confidence, depth, and a strong grasp of the significance of Jewish education in Israel. Mia’s words resonated with the audience, highlighting the critical role that young leaders play in shaping the future of Jewish advocacy.
JNF-USA’s Stand with Israel Luncheon was more than just a gathering—it was a reaffirmation of support, strength, and shared commitment to Israel’s future. From Cynthia Hizami’s informative address to Mia Farkash’s inspiring advocacy and Colonel Kemp’s eye-opening analysis, every element of the event reinforced the importance of staying informed, involved, and active in support of Israel.
For those looking to make a difference, donating to JNF is more than just charity; it’s an investment in Israel’s resilience and innovation. The event served as a reminder that each contribution, no matter the size, plays a role in shaping a stronger future for the Jewish homeland.
For more information, contact Cynthia Hizami, Esq., Jewish National Fund-USA Planned Giving Director, West Coast, at 888-563-2008 or CHizami@jnf.org
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Miriam Gershenson is a freelance writer based in Escondido.