SAN FRANCISCO (Press Release) — On the first-ever episode of the Mitzvah Expo Podcast, a new platform dedicated to highlighting the nonprofits and initiatives strengthening Jewish life, Jewish National Fund-USA Chief Executive Officer Russell F. Robinson discussed how his organization is creating a vibrant future for the land and people of Israel.
Produced, written, and hosted by Rabbi Cantor Dr. Linda Bernstein, Mitzvah Expo features focused conversations with leaders representing Jewish organizations and initiatives worldwide that enhance Jewish life, fight injustice, support Israel, strengthen our ties to the broader community, and more.
In the inaugural episode, Robinson discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA is securing Israel’s future by developing the most livable towns and cities in Israel’s North and South to attract 800,000 new residents, while linking learning, travel, and leadership so youth, families, and adults stay connected to Israel from generation to generation.
“We are the caretakers of the land of Israel for the Jewish people everywhere,” he said, noting the importance of growing the country’s North and South. “82% of the population lives in that Jerusalem–Haifa–Tel Aviv corridor. Yet, 60% of Israel’s land is in the Negev, and 17% is in the Galilee. And if you don’t grow on it, live on it, or develop it, either Mother Nature will take it away, or other people will.”
As an example of one of Jewish National Fund-USA’s many initiatives, he cited the JNF-Arava Medical Center in Israel’s South that provides fast, high-quality healthcare to thousands of residents.
“We built a medical center in the Arava, which we had never done before,” he said. “But if you were a young family and your three‑year‑old had to go an hour and a half to a hospital in an emergency, you wouldn’t move there. So we found the roadblocks, and we solved them.”
Robinson also discussed Jewish National Fund-USA’s commitment to inspiring lifelong Zionist identity through youth, travel, and cultural experiences. “The American Jewish community has given up on teenagers,” he said. “For many, their last Jewish experience is their bar or bat mitzvah. College is too late. So we bought Alexander Muss High School in Israel, a study-abroad program for high school students. If you want to make the biggest impact for the future, invest in teenagers.”
Podcast episodes are available on MitzvahExpo.org, as well as for audio on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and for audio and video on YouTube. Additionally, each organization featured on the podcast has a “Showcase” page on Mitzvah Expo’s website, offering additional information about its mission, programs, and opportunities for engagement. Jewish National Fund-USA’s Showcase page can be found here.
Bernstein hopes to expand the platform to include live Mitzvah Expo events, bringing community organizations together with individuals seeking ways to become more involved in Jewish life.
“Mitzvah Expo spotlights organizations and initiatives that strengthen Jewish life and foster understanding across communities,” said Bernstein. “When we learn about their work, we’re moved to support it — and that’s how mitzvot multiply to all of our benefit. Our motto is: Get Informed. Be Inspired. Jewish National Fund-USA is a case in point, as evidenced by the valuable work it does every day to support Israel and the Jewish community. We are so pleased that the Mitzvah Expo podcast and website are debuting with a showcase of Jewish National Fund-USA and the compelling interview we had with its CEO, Russell F. Robinson.”
Organizations interested in participating in Mitzvah Expo can visit MitzvahExpo.org or contact Rabbi Linda at RabbiLindaBernstein@gmail.com.
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Preceding provided by Mitzvah Expo.