A pioneer of Jewish independence and the founder of the State of Israel. David Ben-Gurion was both of these things and more. but for Alon Ben-Gurion, he was, above all, saba (grandfather).
Ben-Gurion will be the keynote speaker at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel at the Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. The annual community event, co-chaired by Janice & Jeff Schachtman and Leslie & Jim Strohm, will celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary and highlight several of the organization’s programs making Israel’s desert bloom, supporting individuals with disabilities, and educating the leaders of tomorrow.
In his keynote speech, Ben-Gurion will discuss how his grandfather’s vision is being brought to life through Jewish National Fund-USA’s work building a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel, and how as an acclaimed international hospitality consultant, he is using his extensive network and industry know-how to actively promote development in Israel’s Negev Desert.
“Our historic yearning has been for a new society built on liberty, equality, tolerance, mutual aid, and love for man. A society without exploitation and discrimination, slavery, or tyranny,” Ben-Gurion said, quoting his grandfather’s vision. “Our stance in the world will not be determined by our supposed material wealth nor by our military might but by the moral light of our understanding. And although there are some shadows, among them heavy shadows in our lives now, we have the grounds to believe that we can be an example nation.”
Attendees will also learn about Jewish National Fund-USA’s upcoming Global Conference for Israel, taking place in Denver from Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2023, as well as many of the organization’s many exciting opportunities to travel to Israel.
“Several years ago, pre-pandemic, I was honored to be a participant on a week-long Jewish National Fund-USA Educators’ Mission,” said Janice Schachtman. “My eyes were opened to the many ways they are the leading philanthropic organization supporting the land and people of Israel. Today, the organization is pioneering programs in education (including its Alexander Muss High School in Israel), water reclamation, housing, programs for children and adults with disabilities, culinary arts, agriculture and so much more. And, yes, they’re still planting trees in Israel!”
Said Leslie Strohm: “As event co-chairs, we are excited and proud to be bringing Alon Ben-Gurion to the Twin Cities . Jim and I had the opportunity to experience amazing Jewish National Fund-USA-funded projects when we were in Israel in April. We hope everyone joins us for the upcoming breakfast to learn about the numerous ways we enhance the lives of those not just living in Israel, but also those who are visiting.”
For more information and to register, visit jnf.org/bfitwincities or contact Kim R. Levy, Executive Director, Midwest at [email protected] or 847.656.8880 x763.
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