Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

(ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla) - One of Israel's most distinguished statesmen, Ambassador Michael Oren, a diplomat who worked at the highest levels of the Israeli government, was the featured speaker at Jewish National Fund-USA's second annual Stand with Israel Legacy Luncheon in Altamonte Springs on Feb. 12, 2024.

The "thank you" event for local partners (donors) who are members of the organization's Legacy Society was attended by over 100 philanthropists. The solidarity portions of the afternoon included a moment of silence to remember the hostages, the fallen, and the families, and for peace in Israel.

During his tenure as Israel's ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Oren worked with the White House, Congress, and the CIA on crucial strategic issues, including the Iron Dome defense system and the Iran nuclear threat. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience in governance, the military, and foreign service, and with the perspective of a historian who has lived throughout Israel and abroad, the New York Times bestselling author discussed his latest book, "2048 The Rejuvenated State," the Israel-Hamas war, and the threat of an even bigger enemy across the northern border in Lebanon.

"October 7 was more than just an outrageously barbaric attack by heinous terrorists ... It was the breakdown of a covenant," said Oren. "Every Israeli knows that this is a war not just for our security, not just to let those people come back to their homes, not just to send a message to the region ... We know that this is a battle for our national survival."

Representatives from Jewish National Fund-USA recounted how, since the morning of the "Black Shabbat," the organization's team in Israel immediately mobilized to support the devastated communities - evacuating, feeding, clothing, and providing other supplies and trauma therapy to tens of thousands of evacuees and working tirelessly to coordinate, serve, and help those in need - transforming the black, burnt, and broken into love, light, healing, and hope.

"This time last year, I could never fathom the unimaginable, unthinkable, unbelievable horrors and atrocities that would take place on October 7," said Robin Dermer, Esq., JNF-USA's director of Planned Giving, Florida. "Through the shock and sorrow, pain, and anger, through a world lens tinted with rising antisemitism and Jew-hatred, I am sharing a very different update because today we are a very different Jewish People. Time has changed all of us. We have not only changed spiritually and emotionally, but our connection to our Homeland has also grown stronger."

The organization's leaders also shared how, through an unprecedented level of charitable giving, JNF-USA has raised nearly $60 million in immediate relief funds. They also unveiled the organization's bold and visionary plans to rebuild the southern Israeli communities that were ravaged by Hamas and implementing plans for a bright and prosperous future.

"Work has already begun on a plan called "Livnot B'Yachad - Build Together," added Dermer. "Our efforts include building new houses, applying fresh coats of paint, constructing beautiful parks, repaving roads, and strategic community infrastructure. It will no longer be a region scarred by PTSD and '15 seconds to run to a bomb shelter;' it will be a region of hope, a place with thriving music, culture, sports, and educational opportunities."

Dermer also shared the many ways supporters of Israel can achieve their philanthropic goals while taking advantage of existing U.S. tax laws, including Charitable Gift Annuities, where individuals can receive a fixed income as high as 10.1 percent. She also discussed savvy ways people are utilizing Donor Advised Funds and IRAs, as well as traditional bequests.

"Jewish National Fund-USA means so much to me and my family," added Michael Beim, JNF-USA's president of the Orlando Board of Directors. "We are committed to the future of Israel, and it is a true pleasure to work with a 4-star Charity Navigator organization that shares our passion. Our partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA allows us to continue to support our homeland well into the future."

To learn more about the many meaningful ways you can leave a legacy for Israel, call 800-562-7526 or email plannedgiving@jnf.org.