JNF Dinner Spotlights Impact of Volunteers
Michael Miller hosted a JNF “backyard” dinner as a backdrop for post-Oct. 7 volunteers to share the meaningfulness of their trips, and he then promoted the JNF Convention in Dallas.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Michael Miller hosted Jewish National Fund’s dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to recognize community members who had volunteered in Israel post-Oct. 7. During the outdoor dinner, volunteers shared their experiences, ranging from agricultural support to rebuilding ravaged communities.
During the preprogram, retired gastroenterologist Dr. Steve Morris told the AJT, “My group picked tomatoes, packaged vegetables, and rebuilt picnic tables for a damaged moshav. Farmers were very appreciative as volunteer efforts helped replace the Thai workers who did not come back for their jobs. Thus, the farmers were able to salvage around 40 percent of their crops.”
Gracious host Miller explained that it was essential to share these stories to illustrate “we heard the cries from Oct. 7 … these volunteers travel 6,000 miles to show Israel that they care. We will never give up, no matter how badly we’re treated.”
Miller then spoke of the upcoming JNF Conference in Dallas on Nov. 14. He said, “This will be like the Jewish Olympics … 2,500 people and top-notch speakers!”
Miller held up a cookbook by Osi, an Israeli housewife who cooks for tourists, and shared that the Mediterranean style dinner was prepared from recipes in her book. Later in the program, Miller presented JNF Greater Atlanta Executive Director Beth Gluck with a surprise birthday gift.
Mark Kopkin, President of Jewish National Fund-USA Atlanta Board of Directors, relayed that the volunteers all shared that their trips were life changing experiences. Kopkin himself visited Israel in March with 11 others from Atlanta. He shared the emotion of his guide who was stunned that so many “stupid” (but not really) folks would come into war zone.”
Kopkin further explained that Thai workers didn’t return for fear of repercussions from Iran. He said, “Just think of the power if 1,000 people come in four days, for example, to paint, clear, farm, and bear witness.”
Later in the program, Kopkin talked about JNF’s successful efforts in redistributing populations from the center of the country to the north and south. He stated, “These other areas are less expensive for young couples to live; thus, JNF fills in with schools and hospitals … we want to build back bigger, better, stronger. Post-Oct. 7 … these [victims] are our friends, lone soldiers, special needs, unemployed, all needs to be re imagined.” He closed with the lesson of the reminder that “Hatikvah” means “hope.”
Pediatrician and volunteer Dr. Jeff Hopkins spoke of his “most meaningful experience” and reminded that JNF is “not just about trees.”
Swiss-born Dr Marc Salzberg, who has been to Israel 50 to 60 times, wanted his children to experience the enrichment of volunteering. He said, “Left, right … government, politics is irrelevant … in spite of the [tragic] festival site, cemeteries, and sadness, there is always optimism, laughter, Israeli dancing.”
Helaine Sugarman has been to Israel 15 times, including her more recent first volunteer experience where she worked with evacuees in the south. She emphasized, “Even if you’ve gone, go again.”
Jackie Goldstein, President of the local JNF Women for Israel, announced the March 2, 2025, Breakfast for Dinner annual JNF event — with the location change to the Intercontinental Hotel — has the ability to expand to 600-pluis. Tickets are $26, with the consideration of sponsoring a table.
After the program, Elya Courtney, 26, told the AJT about her volunteer trip last May. Courtney, a Master of Public Health at the Atlanta Centers for Disease Control in the field of newborn screening, described her trip as “impactful. We were cleaning up an older woman’s yard. She was ‘bawling’ and Facetimed her husband showing the help we provided; and he was weeping also.”
Retired pulmonologist Dr. Paul Scheinberg was scheduled to leave for Israel Aug. 14 and proactively changed his travel schedule since some airlines have cancelled flights into Tel Aviv. He said, “I got an Air France flight through London. I will spend four days on my own, then attach to the National JNF Mission where I will be picking, packing, sorting, and making lunches. I’m all in.”
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