Israel Air Force veteran to speak in Birmingham about JNF rebuilding efforts

The Jewish National Fund USA will hold “Build Together: Stand With Israel” at Birmingham’s Temple Beth-El on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. The program will focus on how the agency is supporting Israel’s resilience and rebuilding efforts in the Negev and the Galilee, especially after Oct. 7.

The complimentary event will feature keynote speaker Major Res. Oren Hefetz, business development director for JNF-USA’s Impact Investment Fund, where he manages the organization’s projects in Israel’s Central Negev. Hefetz previously served in the Israeli Air Force for 24 years as an air crew member, squadron commander, headquarters commander, and deputy base commander, where he was responsible for the organization’s external relations network. He also served 109 days in the military after Oct. 7 when he was called up for reserve duty.

Hefetz will draw on his military and community-building experience to discuss his service both pre- and post-October 7, as well as the unique needs of the land and people of Israel and JNF-USA’s role in supporting the country’s northern and southern regions.

“Ben-Gurion once said that the Jewish Nation will be tested in the Negev, and the challenges are pretty clear,” said Hefetz. “Our goal is to not only rebuild the south but to also give families the opportunity to move and have a high quality of life in southern Israel by talking to local mayors and finding out what we can do to help them, whether it’s a business center for young professionals or a search and rescue facility.”

Local lay leaders will also discuss how individuals can support the JNF-USA Israel Resilience Campaign, which has raised over $60 million since the “Black Shabbat” and has supported the evacuation and relocation of tens of thousands of residents in Israel’s south while providing thousands more with housing, food, clothing, education, trauma therapy, as well as firefighting and protective equipment for civil defense.

The campaign also includes a bold and visionary plan called “Livnot B’Yachad — Build Together,” which is working to bring residents back to communities affected by Oct. 7, by repairing, rehabilitating and renovating.

“Our attitude as an organization is always, ‘what can we do now’,” said JNF-USA Southeast Director Kim Kaplan. “Yet, our campaign is more than just a response to their immediate needs — it’s a long-term commitment to restoring and strengthening the communities in Israel’s north and south. Through the generous support of our partners, we’re providing essential resources and creating a foundation for enduring stability and growth in these regions.”

For security reasons, pre-registration is required.