A delegation of twelve passionate Cincinnatians has returned from a transformative volunteer mission to Israel, organized by Jewish National Fund-USA.
From May 25-29, 2025, the delegation joined more than 150 volunteers from across the U.S. to deliver hands-on support and solidarity to Israeli communities still recovering from the traumatic October 7 attacks.
The volunteers cleaned homes, painted fences, built picnic tables, pruned vineyards, cooked meals for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, and packed care packages for first responders. From Israel’s northern borders to the Negev Desert in Israel’s South, the delegation experienced firsthand the resilience of the Israeli people—and saw the wide-reaching impact of Jewish National Fund-USA’s work rebuilding communities and restoring hope.
Cincy delegation pic: Back Row-Fred Miller, Michele Wiener, Mark Mayer, Fran Coleman, Morry Wiener, Barry Rothchild Liora Bachrach, Nina Paul, Sandy Rubin, Barb Miller, Randy Miller, Emily Seeskin & Dawn Rothchild
“We worked hard, showed our support, and expressed sincere gratitude to those who have endured unimaginable tragedy,” said Barb Miller, President of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Ohio Valley Board of Directors. “This mission gave us the opportunity to show up—and in return, it gave us deep satisfaction knowing we made a meaningful difference. Am Yisrael Chai.”
Throughout the mission, the volunteers met with Israeli soldiers, farmers, community leaders, and families who opened their homes and hearts to express their pain and perseverance.
Morry Wiener, Randy Miller, Michele Weiner, Barb Miller, Mark Mayer
“We met Ossi, a woman who lost neighbors on October 7 and now cooks over 100 meals a day to cope with her grief,” said delegation member Fred Miller. “Her words — ‘You give me reason to wake up’—were echoed by many. Our mere presence gave Israelis hope and reminded them they’re not alone.”
Beyond their volunteer work, participants bore witness to the tragic events of October 7 at places including the infamous Kibbutz Re’im and the memorial site of the Nova Music Festival massacre. They also planted trees in memory of the fallen and visited a rehabilitation village in Israel’s South that is changing the lives of people with disabilities.
“From the soil of Israel to the soul of its people, we saw how vision and heritage sustain a nation,” said Fran Coleman. “The rehabilitation village was a highlight—offering hope and healing to people of all ages and abilities.”
As one of the only organizations offering volunteer opportunities in the northern Israeli communities near the Lebanese border, the delegation also helped repair and reimagine the area for returning evacuees. They also visited the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF, where construction is currently underway for the one-of-a-kind culinary institute that will transform the region into a global culinary and hospitality center of excellence.
Barb Miller, President of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Ohio Valley Board of Directors
“This mission was a light in uncertain times,” said Michele Wiener. “I went to Israel to give my time and heart—but I came home changed. I found an anchor in the land, the people, and our shared mission.”
“Given the October 7 attacks and the unfair global criticism of Israel, I saw firsthand the power of simply showing up,” added Sandy Rubin. “Israelis were truly moved that we came. That’s what Jewish National Fund-USA is all about—and I was proud to be a part of it.”
Jewish National Fund-USA’s inaugural Ambassador to Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-JNF (KKL-JNF) Nina Paul also added, “What touched me most was how everyone, from all over the country, came together with love and passion for Israel.”
The Cincinnati delegation extends heartfelt thanks to the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati for providing generous grants that made their participation possible. To learn more about future Jewish National Fund-USA Volunteer Missions to Israel and other travel opportunities, visit jnf.org/travel or contact Eric Goldstein, JNF-USA Executive Director at [email protected] or call 513.794.1300 x780.
