Jewish National Fund (JNF) is pleased to announce Joan and Bob Oppenheimer as the new co-presidents of the Northern New Jersey board of directors. They are entering into their new role during a critical time, as JNF’s lay leadership and professional team are diligently working on the implementation of its ambitious and visionary One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade. The Oppenheimers will be instrumental in helping JNF connect Northern New Jersey to the people and land of Israel, and execute unique projects to strengthen Israel for the long-term.
“We are honored to serve Jewish National Fund in this exciting, new capacity,” said the Oppenheimers, who have been involved with the organization for 11 years. “We look forward to raising awareness about all the incredible, diverse projects that JNF is spearheading. Despite growing up with Blue Boxes and tree certificates, it’s important to showcase that JNF is so much more. It’s an organization that works to better the lives of all Israelis and is committed to developing and improving the Land of Israel. An investment in JNF is an investment in the future of Israel, and thereby in our collective future by having a strong Israel.”
While all Jewish National Fund partners are meaningful to the Oppenheimer family, their first encounter was visiting ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran during a family trip to Israel. “Seeing and experiencing the dignity, amazing care and beautiful environment that Israel’s most severely disabled are receiving, opened our eyes to some of what JNF is involved with today,” said Joan. They have also been moved by the work they have seen being done to assure that outdoor activities are inclusive to the whole family, including those with disabilities. “LOTEM spoke to me because I love the outdoors and hiking, and the idea of making the outdoors more accessible for those who can’t easily enjoy it is truly a gift,” said Bob.
Michael Feinman, JNF’s executive director in the tri-state area, said, “Joan and Bob are a terrific team and an invaluable asset to the JNF family. Their passion for Israel and JNF make for the perfect duo to serve as board co-presidents. I am excited to work with them to accomplish great things for Israel.”
During their tenure as co-presidents, the Oppenheimers look forward to educating the community about the projects JNF is involved with in Israel. Additionally, they would like to raise awareness of the work being done in the U.S. about JNF’s partners and projects in Israel. This is being done through programs such as Caravan for Democracy, Alternative Breaks, Birthright and the JNF Continuum, the organization’s educational initiative that provides opportunities for American Jews to engage with Israel from birth to boardroom.
The Oppenheimers both work in real estate and are members of Young Israel of Fort Lee.
To learn more about what JNF is doing in Northern New Jersey, please contact Michael Feinman, JNF’s executive director in the tri-state area, at [email protected].
By Marina Brodetsky
