As one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world since 1998, Russell Robinson's journey to the top of the Jewish National Fund is an inspiring story. Growing up in the small town of El Paso, Texas, where he experienced anti-Semitism, Robinson was instilled with a love for Israel and Zionism by his family despite never visiting the country.
"For my grandfather, Israel was always an important unifying home for every Jew," Robinson recalls fondly. His first experience of seeing Jews truly enjoying themselves came when asked to volunteer to organize a summer camp for El Paso's Jewish community children.
When the devastating Oct. 7 onslaught was happening, Robinson was on a plane to Israel. Two hours before landing, his phone lit up with grave alerts far beyond the usual missile alert warnings. He quickly messaged friends in the area, including the late Ofir Libstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, who responded with a praying hands emoji shortly before being murdered.
This catalyzed the JNF's efforts to rehabilitate the battered Gaza periphery region through its "Build Together" program. Though skeptical they could recruit even two dozen volunteers willing to work in an active war zone at their own expense, over 200 signed up immediately, with more on waiting lists.
"We understood we're all in the same boat," Robinson says. To date, around 3,500 volunteers from across the United States have participated, with more coming through year's end.
The JNF creatively ensured all parties benefited by supporting 151 small Israeli businesses in purchasing aid packages of local produce like wine, cheese, and chocolate for evacuees, hospitalized individuals, and soldiers. Over 13,900 packages have been acquired so far.
When asked about the rising US antisemitism potentially driving more American Jews to make aliyah, Robinson emphasizes the contemporary desire to move to the Jewish state is rooted in positive motivations rather than necessity. However, he argues, Jewish institutions must reinvest in education to properly equip the thousands of university students currently ill-prepared to address the issue.
Regarding the complex International Criminal Court situation with potential arrest warrants for Israeli leadership, Robinson advocates focusing on Israel's strengths and victories instead of getting mired in problematic political arenas.
"There are 25% who will always hate us, but I choose to invest in the 25% who will always love us, and the 50% confused in the middle," he states. "Let's solve this confusion through the beauty of who we are as a people and state."
