“Purim with a Purpose” Unites Tri-State Young Professionals in Support of Israel

Young professionals from across the Tri-state area united in solidarity with the people of Israel on March 3, 2026 at Jojo Anavim Studio for Jewish National Fund-USA’s “Purim with a Purpose,” where community members ages 22-40 celebrated Purim and learned how they can support Israel’s home front during the current crisis with Iran.

Hosted by JNFuture, Jewish National Fund-USA’s community of young philanthropists ages 22–40, the annual event connected Zionists committed to building a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel.

As Israel continues to face ongoing attacks from Iran and its proxies, lay leaders highlighted the timeliness of Purim and how its themes of resilience, responsibility, and hope align with Jewish National Fund-USA’s mission.

“Purim reminds us that even in the darkest moments, courage, unity, and faith can change the course of history,” said New York JNFuture Board Member Rob Bernton. “And we know something that history has proven time and again: the Jewish people do not face these moments alone.”

Bernton discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA has mobilized its nationwide strategic ecosystem of affiliates in Israel to support Israel’s civilians during the current crisis with Iran.

“Jewish National Fund–USA is mobilizing every resource we have to help safeguard lives, livelihoods, and communities across Israel,” he said. “Right now, fire and rescue teams we support are responding to emergencies, often serving as the first line of defense in communities where professional help can take time to arrive. Bomb shelters built and maintained with our support are protecting families who sometimes have only seconds to reach safety. Our resilience centers are providing critical mental health care — helping children process trauma, supporting parents under unimaginable stress, and strengthening communities living with constant uncertainty.”

He noted that the organization’s ability to respond rapidly is the result of decades of philanthropic investment in Israel’s North and South, creating fortified schools, bomb shelters, civilian security teams, mental health resilience centers, medical facilities, Emergency Response Centers, and more. This means when crises arise, Jewish National Fund-USA has the infrastructure in place to provide immediate support.

“For years, Jewish National Fund–USA has invested billions of philanthropic dollars into building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Israel,” said Bernton. “These investments were made for moments like this — moments when the resilience of the Jewish people is tested, and when the world watches to see how we respond.”

Attendees were also invited to sign up for JNFuture’s upcoming L'Chaim in the City event, one of the largest gatherings of young professionals on the East Coast, taking place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Columbus Circle, Manhattan.

JNFuture is Jewish National Fund-USA’s fastest-growing donor demographic among young Jewish professionals who support the land and people of Israel. JNFuture hosts regular events across the U.S. and offers travel and tours to Israel. To learn more, visit jnf.org/jnfuture.

To support Israel’s home front, visit jnf.org/israelstrong. For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in the tri-state area, visit jnf.org or contact Genevieve Rossi at grossi@jnf.org.

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About Jewish National Fund-USA

Jewish National Fund-USA is building a strong and vibrant future for the land and people of Israel. Through its One Million Voices for Israel campaign, the organization unites supporters nationwide around its holistic approach to supporting individuals, families, communities, and regions in Israel's North and South, known as circles of impact. Leveraging its 125 years of impact, Jewish National Fund-USA is developing the most livable towns and cities in frontier communities to attract 800,000 new residents; creating a lifelong continuum of Zionist education through travel, learning, and leadership; and establishing the World Zionist Village in Be'er Sheva, a global hub for connection and peoplehood. With donor recognition and legacy giving at its core, supporters ensure their values and impact endure—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Learn more at jnf.org.