ALBANY—Women in the region will join on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. for the Jewish National Fund-USA’s third annual Women for Israel Reception in Albany. According to organizers, the program will celebrate the unwavering spirit of women contributing to Israeli resilience while updating attendees on Israel’s Central Arava region and the organization’s work turning that remote area into a thriving oasis. The program will feature keynote speaker Tania Pons Allon, director of the Kasser Joint Institute for Food, Water & Energy Security. Formed via a groundbreaking partnership between Jewish National Fund-USA, the University of Arizona, and Israel’s Arava Regional Councils, the Institute pioneers sustainable solutions in agriculture, water technology, and energy innovation in vulnerable arid and hyper-arid settings.

Allon will share her family’s life in the challenging desert landscape of the Arava, emphasizing how, with the help of JNF-USA, the Kasser Joint Institute’s work empowers desert communities, fosters international collaboration, and reflects Israel’s leadership in turning these arid landscapes into thriving, self-sustaining environments. She will also underscore how the Arava’s commitment to agricultural innovation and resilience is vital after October 7.

“We want to be part of the global change, and we want to bring a light unto the nations,” said Allon. “The world is really facing major global challenges. The concept is here in the Arava region, we have so much experience and knowledge in the fields of food security, energy security, and water scarcity research, so why not take that knowledge and amplify it? Combining it with that of the University of Arizona, a giant in the same field of research, and really doing something for the greater good.”

Co-chairpersons for the program are Karen Lobel, Robyn Marinstein, Lianne Pinchuk, Laura Segal and Nicole Stein. The host committee includes: Hope Amsterdamer, Diane Burman, Joy Davidoff, Jody Ference, Mara Ginsberg, Kathy Golderman, Nancy Greene, Mille Grossberg, Ruth Heller, Shoshie Israel, Judy Kahn, Marta Koblenz, Linda Mandel, Robyn Polansky Morrison, Lisa Packer, Amanda Aussems Poskanzer, Debbie Ratner, Jessica Richer, Tanya Schwartz, Chanie Simon, Phyllis Wang and Laura Weisblatt.

Local lay leaders will spotlight the role of Jewish National Fund USA’s Women for Israel in advancing the organization’s mission to build a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel. A sisterhood of philanthropic “wonder women,” the group forms connections between a multigenerational community of women who inspire and empower one another while supporting the organization’s impactful initiatives in Israel’s Negev and Galilee.

“Joining Women for Israel provided me with more than a network—it gave me purpose,” said Nicole Stein. “I’ve seen firsthand how our philanthropic power fuels resilience, builds homes, and changes lives. Being a part of this incredible community enables us to take our place in our Zionist story, not as supporters on the sidelines but as architects of Israel’s future.”

Information and registration may be obtained at jnf.org/wficr or by contacting Emily Pfeffer, director, Boston, at [email protected] or 617-423-0999, ext. 812.