JNF-USA connects more than 30,000 Israelis with disabilities to nature

Jewish National Fund-USA (JNF-USA) has supported LOTEM, an organization dedicated to making Israel's natural spaces accessible, in providing educational, therapeutic, and resilience services to over 30,000 Israelis, including individuals with disabilities and wounded soldiers. According to Gaylee Schif, LOTEM's JNF-USA liaison, "Jewish National Fund-USA's support accounts for 50% of our ongoing operational budget." This funding is crucial, especially given the increased demand for such programs following recent security threats and the events of October 7. JNF-USA's support aligns with its "circles of impact" strategy, aiming to attract new residents to Israel’s frontier communities by ensuring their needs are met. Despite operational challenges like cancellations and adapting to safety guidelines, JNF-USA enabled LOTEM to continue its services across Israel, reaching participants with various disabilities in the South, Center, North, and the Gaza Envelope. Russell F. Robinson, CEO of JNF-USA, stated, "Our responsibility is to ensure that every member of society can connect with the land, explore it and feel the same sense of joy, belonging and pride that it inspires in all of us."