SAN DIEGO (Press Release)— Jewish National Fund-USA has appointed C. Benjamin Naman, PhD, as its new San Diego Board President. A mentor, startup founder, internationally recognized scientist, and longtime volunteer with the organization, Naman combines his professional experience with his support for the land and people of Israel.
“I’m most excited for the opportunity to build our pluralistic community here in San Diego that is united together with the shared goal of supporting the whole land and all the people of Israel,” said Naman. “This common intention helps us to forge and grow meaningful relationships at home and abroad and share our love for Israel.”
Prior to his new role, Naman participated in the JNFuture Leadership Institute Mission to Israel in 2022 and a Jewish National Fund-USA Volunteer Mission in 2024. While in Israel, he assisted locals by working on farms, rebuilding damaged neighborhoods, and meeting with displaced survivors of October 7 to learn about them and their stories. “These two trips were obviously so different, but Jewish National Fund-USA delivered ten out of ten both times, and I encourage anyone and everyone interested in learning about or experiencing Israel to go with Jewish National Fund-USA.
Naman proudly serves as Chair of the Project Wadi Attir Task Force, a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported initiative that combines Bedouin traditional values and experience with modern-day science and technology. As a worldwide leading example of de-desertification and community building, he refers to the project as “a light unto nations.”
In addition, Naman’s background in cultural and medicinal plant research inspires his approach to leadership. He focuses his efforts and philanthropy with Jewish National Fund-USA on initiatives important to him, including education, sustainability, cultural preservation, and empowerment of women and minority groups.
“Jewish National Fund-USA does so many amazing things to support the land and people of Israel that I am 100% confident you can find a personally meaningful impact area to become involved with,” Naman said when asked what he would say to those considering involvement. “You will feel, know, and see that you truly make a difference with this organization.”
Looking ahead, Naman is excited about Jewish National Fund-USA’s upcoming Global Conference for Israel, hosted in his hometown of San Diego and celebrating 125 years of supporting the land and people of Israel. “We are so very excited to welcome supporters from near and far to America’s Finest City. See you in November!”
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Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund-USA
Preceding provided by Jewish National Fund-USA