JNFuture Leaders
Fourteen young Australians have returned from Israel inspired, motivated and excited to contribute to Israel and our local Jewish community.
Coinciding with the Eurovision Contest being held in Israel, these young adults joined thirty participants from around the world on a JNFuture leadership mission.
“We are trying to build the next generation of active Jewish leadership” JNF’s Education Shaliach, Yigal Nisell described the purpose of the delegation. “We want to establish a cohort of young Jewish leaders who are willing to commit their time, leadership, talent, and resources to strengthen the work of the JNF, Israel and to give back to our local Jewish community.”
For ten days, the delegation toured the length and breadth of the country, soaking up Israel’s rich and fascinating history and culture. The real highlights were the opportunity for young adults to network with like-minded individuals from around the world, join exclusive meetings with leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship, immerse themselves in a variety of environmental and Zionist projects and take part in the Eurovision celebrations.
“The only way to really understand Israel and support it wholeheartedly is to come and visit it,” said participant Talia Katz. It was in the Negev region that the participants got a strong sense of the pioneering spirit, agriculture and Zionism in the modern era. From abseiling the Ramon Crater, to visiting the new JNF supported community of Sheizaf, the delegates witnessed the challenges, opportunities and magic that the desert offers.
In Sde Boker, on the final day of their visit, delegates went to pay their respects at the tomb of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. JNF is committed to fulfilling Ben-Gurion’s dream of settling the Negev, given its national, economic and strategic importance. Tali Greenstein laid a wreath on behalf of the delegation, saying, “Together we must continue to make Ben-Gurion’s dream and vision a reality.”
By the time the action-packed ten days drew to a close, the delegates had experienced Israel in a unique way and had been inspired by all that Israel has to offer. Reflecting on the mission, Speedy Shatari commented “I am certain that the things I have learnt on the JNFuture trip will allow me to continue to give back and contribute to the Jewish community, a community which I love being a part of.”
