Jewish National Fund-USA Leaders Share Optimism After Hostage Release Deal, Vow to Continue Rebuilding Israel's North and South

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jewish National Fund-USA Ambassadors (lay leaders) and professionals have expressed hope following the announcement of a deal to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza. As a key supporter of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Jewish National Fund-USA has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Israel during this difficult time. The organization has also led rebuilding efforts in the communities affected by Hamas' October 7 terrorist attacks.

Since October 7, Jewish National Fund-USA has raised approximately $400 million for the land and people of Israel, as it works to attract 800,000 new residents to the country's North and South.

"Two years ago, we shed endless tears of grief," said Jewish National Fund-USA President, Deb Lust Zaluda. "Today, we shed tears of joy for the families of the hostages, whom we pray will be reunited with their loved ones soon. However, our tears are also tinged with sadness for the families whose loved ones were murdered by pure evil."

Through its support of the leading advocacy organization for the hostages, Jewish National Fund-USA helped keep the issue of the hostages visible in the public eye.

Jewish National Fund-USA also turned words into action, bringing over 6,000 American volunteers to Israel to aid the communities damaged by terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

During a prior address to tens of thousands of people in Tel Aviv's "Hostage Square," Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson called for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. During the rally, he said, "We will broadcast…every week to millions of people on our platforms – we will speak at college campuses and events. We will share your family's messages, our family's messages; we will tell the Red Cross, 'Bring Them Home Now!' We are not silent Jews. All of us—American Jews— all of the people who believe in good over evil, as Zionists, we shall shout out, 'We are one with the people of Israel.'"

For nearly 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has supported the people of Israel—driven by vision, purpose, and passion—building medical centers, bomb shelters, schools, housing sites, emergency response centers, parks, playgrounds, resilience centers, innovation hubs, and more, so that the Negev and Galilee are not just places to live but places to thrive.

Since October 7, the philanthropy's efforts have expanded to meet the urgent needs in border communities—where it has decades of experience and relationships—by providing temporary housing to displaced residents, supporting mental health, equipping civilian security teams, and helping rebuild livelihoods.

"The people of Israel face ongoing challenges and trauma—but their spirit endures, and our commitment is unwavering: We were there yesterday, we are there today, and we will be there tomorrow, to ensure a strong, secure, prosperous future for all those who call Israel home," said Zaluda.

To support Israel's North and South, visit jnf.org/supportisrael or call 800.JNF.0099.

About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel's North and South as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Stefan Oberman: 212-879-9305 x222 or [email protected]

SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA