By Lauren Lizerbram
RANCHO SANTA FE, California — Many people ask me what it is about JNF that keeps me so energized. I am happy to say my husband Sol and I have been supporting this outstanding organization for over 30 years. With our trips to Israel we have seen firsthand the work that JNF does to enhance the lives of all Israelis. Since 1901, the Jewish National Fund has continued to make a commitment to the land of Israel and its people.
The work of JNF includes community building, forestry and green innovations, water renewal, research and development in arid land cultivation, Zionist education and advocacy, and preservation of Israel’s historical sites associated with the stories of the rebirth of the country. JNF is dedicated to ensuring that no member of society is left behind. JNF provides cutting-edge rehabilitative services, special education and medical care for people with special needs.
In 2009, JNF built a 21,000-square-foot bomb-proof recreation center as a gift to the people of Sderot. For over a decade, residents of Israel’s western Negev have endured continual rocket attacks from the bordering Gaza Strip. Sderot, located less than one mile from Gaza, is hardest hit. The children living in that area have grown up with the psychological trauma that comes with living under the constant threat of attack.
Because they must be within 15 seconds of a bomb shelter, an afternoon at the park could potentially become a dangerous activity. The children were forced to spend most of their time indoors.
Since the JNF Sderot Recreation Center opened it has been used by thousands of children of all ages. The center includes a soccer field and volleyball court, movie theater, disco, rock climbing wall, snack area, computer center and jungle gym. It hosts weekly performances by clowns, magicians, and puppeteers, a disco night for teens and tutoring and homework workshops staffed by college students. Local schools utilize the center for field trips, special events, holidays and day camps hold sessions there during the summer months. It has been the “Go To” venue for children’s’ birthday parties!
What was missing at the center? Music! We are so proud to be raising funds for the C. Hugh Friedman Music Program at the JNF Sderot Indoor Recreation center! Our music program will provide the children with music instruction, appreciation and opportunities to play through this music program. We will be replacing the sound of rockets with the Sound of Music! Please view our outstanding brief video about the music program, or to donate please visit www.jnf.org/friedman.
As current President of the JNF San Diego Board, I am proud to be part of these wonderful upcoming events:
- JNF San Diego Women for Israel Luncheon, Wednesday, October 28, 2015 Guest Speaker, Alisa Bodner, JNF Lotem Liason. Since 1993, Lotem – Making Nature Accessible, has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities maximize their enjoyment of nature.
- Water Summit December 8th through December 10. 2015 Featuring Seth M. Siegel author of New York Times Bestseller Let There Be Water: Israel’s solution for a water-starved world.
- Our “Love of Israel” breakfast, Sunday, May 1, 2016. Sponsorships are available and welcomed.
For all information regarding these programs or any other JNF question, please contact JNF area director, Amy Hart. Ahart@jnf.org
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Lizerbram is president of JNF San Diego.