Jewish National Fund-USA’s Heroes Don’t Wear Capes

New York, NY: June 15, 2020 – Jewish National Fund-USA’s (JNF-USA) Spectacular Sunday telethon had it all – laughter, tears, and an all-star lineup as 52,000 viewers tuned in for the organization’s live extravaganza via its YouTube and Facebook channels.

As JNF-USA continues to support Israel’s immediate needs in response to the global health pandemic, the organization called a record breaking 60,000 supporters across the U.S. during its June 14 telethon. Thanks to an army of volunteers and professionals, JNF-USA exceeded its matched fundraising target and raised $2.391 million in support of the land and people of Israel.

“While we were entertained by the stellar line-up of celebrities, singers, comedians, and performers who came out in support of our important work, it’s the young children and families who are building new lives in the Negev and Galilee who are the real stars of JNF-USA’s inspiring story,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Chairperson of the Board, Jeffrey E. Levine. “If only Herzl was here today, never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined so many thousands of passionate supporters coming together to realize and continue his historic vision.”

Spectacular Sunday was emceed by a formidable lineup of media, entertainment, and community personalities, including Benji Lovitt, Stella Inger, Jessica Abo, Rabbi Leor Sinai, Xander Simmons, Ilana Levine, Dominic Fumusa, and Michelle Divon.

“Today’s Spectacular Sunday is more than just about raising money. It’s about raising hope as we prepare the next generation to carry forth the torch of our philanthropic investments in Israel,” said Jewish National Fund-USA President, Dr. Sol Lizerbram. “Our impact in Israel has endured for over 119-years because we invest in the next generation through our ‘birth to the boardroom’ platform, and that includes our High School in Israel, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime American semester abroad journey and prepares thousands of students for academic excellence and success in college.”

Jewish National Fund-USA Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts, and National Chair of Spectacular Sunday, Bernice Friedman, added: “Today, we didn’t just tell the story of JNF-USA – we told the story of the Jewish people and our unbreakable connection to the land and people of Israel.”

Friedman continued: “People watch superhero movies because they want to feel a part of the unimaginable and impossible. At JNF-USA, we make the impossible possible every day, and it’s our partners (donors) who are the real superheroes of the modern-day miracle that’s called Israel.”

JNF-USA is the leading philanthropic organization for Israel that supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south. Through its One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, Jewish National Fund-USA is developing new communities in the Galilee and Negev, connecting the next generation to Israel, and creating infrastructure for ecology, special needs, and heritage preservation.

To support JNF-USA’s exciting philanthropic initiatives in Israel, visit jnf.org/donate.