Jews in the Land of Disney: Harrison Shames is a man on a mission

"Together We're Stronger!"

As the director of the Jewish National Fund-USA in Orlando, and in his role as the president of the growing Orlando Jewish Chamber of Commerce, he has a fervent belief that together we are stronger.

With the rise in antisemitism and the tragedy that occurred on Oct. 7th, Shames believes that today, more than ever, we must come together in our Jewish community for this one important common-sense reason. That's why Shames is working diligently to coordinate the fundraising mechanism for the Jewish communities in Israel through the Jewish National Fund (JNF-USA), and to bring together our Jewish business community in a nonprofit Jewish Chambers of Commerce.

"Why is it that there are Chamber of Commerce's operating across our land, such as the African American, Hispanic or Christian associations to name a few but no or very few Jewish Chambers in our country?" Shames asked. "There are inherent advantages in supporting our business community and by utilizing the strength of our growing membership, we will be able to negotiate better pricing and services. The chamber will be offering a suite of member benefits such as freight programs, credit card processing services, gift card programs, POS systems, and potentially health and dental insurance benefits plus a lot more."

Additionally, the Jewish Chamber will continue with their monthly networking breakfasts for members, along with exciting programs and events during the upcoming year. "The importance of connecting our Jewish business community is more important today than ever, which I believe will lead to lead to more collaboration."

The Chamber provides forums, like their monthly meet and greet breakfast get togethers, which enable members to get to know each other in a spirit of cooperation with other Jewish businesses that operate throughout the Central Florida region. "Look for an announcement for the roll out of an upcoming exciting campaign that will look to expand our Jewish Chamber of Commerce's membership, member benefits, and services in a special upcoming campaign to be announced," Shames said.

Also, the Jewish National Fund will work with individuals and businesses to help coordinate our communities support for our beloved Israel.

More about Harrison Shames

Has anyone you know ever coached football in Israel in a professional capacity? Coach Harrison Shames has! When his career path changed, Shames saw an opportunity and applied for a position with the Orlando Jewish National Fund. When JNF was doing their due diligence checking in on Candidate Shames, they called a reference of his, a friend in Israel. His friend's response to the call was, "He's my coach!" After getting a glowing review from his quarterback, it changed Shames' life.

Born in Orlando, Shames grew up in Altamonte Springs. He attended public school at Lyman High School when, as a freshman, a teacher who was a coach of the football team saw his interest and fervent enthusiasm for football and invited Shames at a young age to work with him in an assistant coaching capacity.

Later, when Shames attended Seminole State University, he continued coaching high school football, spending a year at Hagerty High. After receiving his associate's degree, he attended the University of Central Florida, where he pursued a degree in Sports and Exercise Science. During his time at UCF, for three seasons, he was an assistant coach for University High School.

After graduating college, Shames went to Israel and intended to stay a year, which turned into a three-year visit.

During his first year in Israel, Shames had a teaching fellowship with MASA, where he taught English to elementary students.

He was then hired by the Kraft Football League, funded by Robert Kraft of the Patriots. Mark Wilf, president and co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, and chairman and co-owner of the Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride, also supports Israeli Flag Football, which is now an Olympic sport. The team was in Mazkeret Batya, located about 20 miles southeast of Tel-Aviv. During his time teaching and coaching (with a stint Seminole High School in between), Shames worked toward getting his master's degree by taking an online program through an Ohio University master's degree curriculum, where he obtained his master's degree.

During this time, he met his wife, Chen. "After dating a short while I was invited to her home to meet her family on Rosh Hashanah. "Her family are amazing people, the food was incredible and I was in love." Shames said.

"After we got married, I came home and began teaching Health and PE at Winter Park High School after obtaining my licensing and state teaching certification. And then came Covid." Shames said.

During this time, and when Chen and he were expecting their first child, Shames knew he had to hang up his dream and begin seriously providing for his new family. An opportunity opened with the Jewish National Fund, he interviewed, they called his quarterback, and the rest is history.

The Jewish National Fund

The Jewish National Fund is a nonprofit organization founded in 1901.

Shames explained that the iconic JNF "blue box" - known in Yiddish as a pushke - has symbolized Jewish National Fund-USA's mission since its founding. While known for planting more than 260 million trees to reclaim land and protect the environment, JNF-USA's true impact is in building vibrant communities - creating jobs, attracting families, and fostering opportunity in Israel's frontier regions. From water infrastructure that sustains farms to medical and cultural centers that bring people together, every project is a step toward strengthening Israel's social fabric and ensuring its future.

"We play a valuable role in education, supporting Zionist educational programs and initiatives in the U.S. and Israel," Shames said. "In addition, JNF organizes volunteer-driven missions by bringing people into Israel to help build and rebuild communities. And since Oct. 7th, we're dedicated to supporting those border communities impacted by the attack."

After working one year in his new postion at JNF, Oct. 7th occurred and the local JNF contributions skyrocketed with local Jews who wanted to contribute in support of Israel. During that time Shames was very busy. "Things have calmed down a little, but with everything going on in the world Jews both young and old have a desire to come together, not only as community but in support of Israel"

To Join the Orlando Chamber of Commerce or contribute to JNF, contact Harrison Shames at 407-252-8307 or email hshames@jnf.com.