Jewish National Fund Appoints Joseph Selesny Campaign Associate for Detroit, MI

Jewish National Fund
Monday, 23 April 2001

April 23, 2001 – Detroit, MI – Jewish National Fund (JNF) recently announced Joseph Selesny as the new campaign associate for the Detroit regional office. Mr. Selesny was formerly the director of marketing and advertising at Blue Dot Services of Michigan

JNF's mission as a non-profit organization is to preserve the land of Israel for Jewish people everywhere. "2001 is an exciting year for JNF," says Russell F. Robinson, executive vice president. "In addition to our existing programs, we will begin to celebrate our 100th Anniversary at the end of the year. Our new staff of professionals will support all of these efforts. We are working hard to further the awareness of JNF and its mission to preserve and build the land of Israel."

"JNF was a terrific opportunity for me both professionally and personally," says Selesny, "I look forward to involving the Detroit community in the exciting work we are undertaking in Israel."

"We are fortunate to have such a committed membership and team here at JNF," says Robinson.

Mr. Selesny's responsibilities include lay leadership development, event fundraising and raising funds through direct solicitation in support of JNF's efforts regarding the water crisis in Israel.

Israel is currently suffering from its worst drought in recorded history. JNF has been actively involved in combating the crisis by building dams and reservoirs, rehabilitating Israel's polluted waterways, implementing new water recycling techniques and funding crucial research that will enable Israel to make the most of its limited water supply until permanent solutions can be reached. To date, JNF's work has increased Israel's water supply by over 6 percent. Water is crucial for Israel - not only to maintain its economic stability by preserving agriculture, but also as a vital part of the peace process itself.

Mr. Selesny grew up in Detroit, attending Akiva Hebrew Day School and the Young Israel of Southfield. After graduating from Akiva, he studied in a yeshiva in Mevaseret Zion, Israel. Upon returning to the U.S., Joe attended Yeshiva University, graduating in 1995. He then worked as the National Program Director for B'nei Akiva Youth Organization in New York before returning to Detroit in 1997.

Founded in 1901, the Jewish National Fund is a national non-profit organization. JNF is the caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners – Jewish people everywhere. The organization has planted over 210 million trees, built over 100 dams and reservoirs, developed over 250,000 acres of land, and created 400 parks throughout Israel. For more information on JNF or to plant trees in Israel, call 800-542-TREE (8733) or visit the JNF Web site.

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