Hal Linden, Jewish National Fund Spokesperson, Appears in Holocaust Survivor Play, The Gathering

Jewish National Fund
Friday, 2 February 2001

Production Provides Linden with Additional Outlet For Passion Towards Jewish Causes

Hal Linden, Tony Award winning actor and national spokesperson for Jewish National Fund (JNF), is starring as a Holocaust survivor in an acclaimed new production, "The Gathering", which began a national tour on January 9th and comes to Broadway in April. The play, by Arje Shaw, is a controversial political drama exploring the conflict between three generations of a Jewish family struggling to express their individuality.

Linden, best know for his title role in the Barney Miller television series, has served as National Spokesperson for JNF for three years, having decided to donate his time to the almost 100-year-old organization after being inspired by a life-long connection to JNF's signature Blue Boxes. These tin boxes have been used by Jews around the world to collect money for Israel since 1901. Most recently, Mr. Linden appeared in JNF's advertising campaign, which serves to raise awareness of the worst drought in Israel's recorded history. According to published reports, Israel could run out of water by 2015, however, JNF President Ronald S. Lauder warns that it could be even sooner if the ongoing chronic drought continues. JNF has been actively involved in combating Israel's water crisis for years, and the severity of the situation has made it a top priority for the organization.

For more than a decade, JNF has played a vital role in alleviating the water shortage. Prominent Israeli publications, such as Israel's Business Arena - Globes, have cited JNF's remarkable contribution to this effort and reported on the fact that JNF has been the only steady source of income for water development since the crisis began. "I am extremely proud to be a spokesperson for an organization that is a driving force in helping Israel in this time of crisis," says Linden. "As an American Jew, Israel is very important to me and I am happy to devote any time that I can and any resources available to me on behalf of JNF now and for years to come. JNF's work during the water crisis is crucial and the organization's work over the past 99 years in all areas of Israel's environment has made a significant positive impact to the people living there," says Linden.

Eager to see first hand what JNF has accomplished in Israel, Linden and his wife of forty years, Frances, traveled to Israel with JNF in October 1999. The trip enabled Linden to visit JNF projects including the restoration of reservoirs and the building of dams. "JNF is doing exceptional work and improving the quality of life for hundreds of Israelis," stated Linden upon his return. "I am happy to do whatever I can to help raise awareness among American Jews of the situation in their homeland and JNF's efforts to combat the water crisis." Linden plans on visiting Israel again with his wife in the near future; next time, though, he plans on bringing his children and grandchildren so they too can experience Israel.

"The Gathering" originally opened for a limited six-week run in the spring of 1999 Off-Broadway. The production received such strong reviews and audience response that it was extended through the fall. Engagements include The Wadsworth Theatre in Los Angeles (February 3-28), The Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale (March 7-18), The Royal Poinciana in Palm Beach (March 20-April 1) and The Cort Theatre in Manhattan (April 24-TBD).

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org