Neighbor News
Actor Michael Rapaport Headlines Young Professionals Event for Israel
The comedian, whose roles include "Friends," "Deep Blue Sea," and "Justified," is also an outspoken supporter of the State of Israel
Recently, over 200 young professionals united at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History for Jewish National Fund-USA’s “JNFuture Philly Special: Stand Up with Michael Rapaport,” event to support Israel’s rebuilding efforts in the country’s north and south.
The actor and comedian, who has been featured in over 100 film and television roles, including “Friends,” “Deep Blue Sea,” and “Justified,” is also an outspoken supporter of the State of Israel. After the October 7 terrorist attacks, Rapaport visited Israel in solidarity and signed an open letter to President Joe Biden, along with hundreds of others in the entertainment industry, calling on the Commander in Chief to facilitate the immediate release of the hostages. He is also set to perform two shows in Israel this month following the one-year anniversary of the brutal massacre.
Additionally, local lay leaders discussed how Jewish National Fund-USA is supporting Israel’s pressing needs through the organization’s Israel Resilience Campaign (jnf.org/supportisrael). The campaign has raised over $60 million since the “Black Shabbat” and has supported the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s north and south while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, education, trauma therapy, as well as firefighting and protective equipment for civil defense.
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The campaign also includes bold and visionary plans to build back Israel’s south and reimagine it’s battered north, helping residents to return to communities impacted on October 7 and since by repairing, rehabilitating, and renovating damaged towns while ensuring critical services are established.
“As we come together this evening, we do so in a world that feels incredibly challenging,” said Philadelphia JNFuture President Dane Berkowitz. “Our Jewish community has faced immense suffering. Yet, amidst the hardships, we have also become stronger and more resilient. We have seen friends, family, and even strangers step up with unwavering dedication to ensure that ‘Never Again’ is not just a phrase, but a living commitment. And we all know that we cannot be silent anymore — Jewish National Fund-USA will give you that voice to do something.”
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Attendees were also invited to attend Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel in Dallas, taking place Thursday, November 14 to Sunday, November 17 (jnf.org/gc).
Jewish National Fund-USA’s fastest-growing demographic, JNFuture is the organization’s community of young professionals ages 22-40. To learn more visit jnf.org/jnfuture.
For more information about Jewish National Fund-USA or to learn about upcoming events in Philadelphia, contact Jenny Sved at jsved@jnf.org or 215-832-0690 x864.
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About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.
