Jewish National Fund Green Sunday Phone-A-Thon to Raise Funds to Improve Quality of Life for Israelis

Jewish National Fund
Monday, 5 November 2001

Phone-a-thon Offers American Jews an Opportunity to Take an Active Role in Helping Israel

November 5, 2001 – New York, NY – Jewish National Fund (JNF) will hold its annual National Green Sunday phone-a-thon in Jewish communities across the U.S. on November 18. Green Sunday, a million-dollar fundraising campaign involves hundreds of volunteers from synagogues, youth groups and the community. It is an event that brings members of the communities together with a common goal - to help Israel. These volunteers engage in telephone solicitation of thousands of donors to raise funds for Israel.

"Many American Jews feel helpless as they watch agonizing images on television of the recent terrorist attacks on America and the ongoing unrest in Israel, which are situations painfully beyond their control," says Robert B. Levine, JNF vice president, campaign. "Through the Green Sunday phone-a-thon, we hope to send a message to the members of our community that they are not powerless to help Israel. By volunteering on Green Sunday or contributing to JNF, they can do their part to help the land of Israel in its time of need," adds Alan Blumenfeld, Green Sunday National Chairperson.

JNF volunteers will be calling households in their local area, to let them know how they can help Israel, particularly regarding the current water shortage. "JNF's annual Green Sunday phone-a-thon is a critical tool to raise money for the land of Israel. The funds raised through the phone-a-thon enable JNF to continue its work towards alleviating the water shortage in Israel," explains Russell F. Robinson, JNF Executive Vice President. "By speaking with donors and updating them on JNF's miraculous efforts, we hope to call them to action. JNF's work allows Israel to make the most of its scarce water resources, and the generosity of our donors and our sponsors is what makes this possible."

Over the past century, many different issues have arisen in Israel, and JNF has continually evolved to address Israel's most pressing needs. As JNF celebrates its 100th Anniversary, the organization is proud of its many accomplishments in the areas of afforestation and providing Israel with healthy green space; building infrastructure for Israel's growing population; building access roads for security; providing employment for waves of new immigrants; educating children in the U.S. and Israel about Zionism and the environment; and improving the quality of life for all Israelis through the building of parks and recreation areas.

In recent years, JNF has shifted its focus towards the water shortage since the severity of the situation has increased significantly. Today, JNF is a major force in water resource development in Israel. The organization is committed to a $250 million water initiative to extend the life of Israel's existing water resources that includes building 100 new reservoirs, research projects and restoring polluted rivers all over Israel.

"JNF, with the help of its loyal supporters, has been able to increase Israel's water supply by over 6%, but so much more remains to be done," explains JNF President Ronald S. Lauder. "The well-being of Israel depends upon the generosity of American Jews who make a personal commitment and encourage others to also give to JNF, because JNF is our link to the people and the land of Israel."

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