(Courtesy of JNF) Celebrities and entertainers including Israeli singer-songwriters David Broza and Idan Raichel; actor, comedian, writer and producer, Elon Gold; rapper Noah Shufutinsky, also known as Westside Gravy; and singer Eden Alene, were among some of the stars who partnered with Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) for its annual Spectacular Sunday extravaganza on September 12, which raised close to $3.3 million for the land and people of Israel.
This year’s hybrid soiree was hosted live from City Winery in New York City and broadcasted virtually across the U.S. via JNF-USA’s social media channels.
In addition to a magical evening of brilliant entertainment, JNF-USA professionals and lay leaders conducted a nationwide donor outreach initiative in a sprint telethon style approach—calling, texting and emailing thousands of JNF-USA supporters from coast to coast.
Due to the dedication of these individuals and the generosity of JNF-USA donors, including those who matched $1.5 million of the event’s proceeds, JNF-USA exceeded its fundraising goal for projects supporting critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south.
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our team of lay leaders and professional fundraisers, Jewish National Fund-USA achieved a record-high fundraising result on Spectacular Sunday,” said event co-chair Robert D. Cohan. “We are blessed to have the support of such a generous community of philanthropic changemakers who share our historic vision for the land and people of Israel. As we enter a new Jewish year, we have never felt more energized and optimistic about our people’s future,” added event co-chair Bernice Friedman.
Thousands of fans tuned in online while nearly 200 JNF-USA supporters from New York and New Jersey attended the soiree in person. Patrons sang, danced, mingled and enjoyed an open bar and hors d’oeuvres at the upscale music venue and wine bar in New York’s trendy Chelsea neighborhood, while laughing hysterically as Elon Gold emceed the evening.
Esteemed Hollywood actress, producer and bestselling author Noa Tishby provided remarks after Sol Lizerbram, JNF-USA’s President, presented her with the Guardian of Israel Award in recognition of her leadership, creative achievements and outstanding service to the land and people of Israel and Jewish people everywhere.
Among other noteworthy moments of the evening, Shira Haas greeted the audience and Israel’s President Isaac Herzog spoke about JNF-USA’s World Zionist Village—a 21-acre, $350 million center for community, learning and love of Israel that will be built in Be’er Sheva and is expected to open in 2025.
Team Israel’s Shlomo Lipetz also accepted a gift of a JNF-USA Be Inscribed Torah portion on behalf of the players from Israel’s historic Olympic baseball team.
