Jewish National Fund-USA names three national leaders

Jewish National Fund-USA has appointed three national staff members to lead work tied to Zionist engagement, teen education and young philanthropist outreach. The hires are meant to strengthen the organization’s pipeline of Jewish leadership and deepen connections to Israel.

Why it matters: - Jewish National Fund-USA is adding leadership across three programs that target different age groups and stages of Jewish engagement. - The appointments are aimed at building stronger ties to Israel, developing future leaders and expanding the organization’s global and young adult communities. - The moves also signal continued investment in in-person and identity-based programming at a time of heightened interest in Jewish community building.

What happened: - Jewish National Fund-USA announced three national staff appointments on June 11, 2026. - Cora Neumann was named International Director for the World Zionist Village. - Allyson Harman was named Director of Development for Alexander Muss High School in Israel. - Matthew Halpern was named National Director of JNFuture.

The details: - The World Zionist Village is Jewish National Fund-USA’s initiative in Be’er Sheva that is intended to serve as a global hub for Zionist connection, education and peoplehood. - Neumann brings more than 25 years of experience in public service, nonprofit leadership, global health and community engagement. - Neumann previously held leadership roles at the U.S. State Department, the World Health Organization and the Montana Public Health Institute. - Neumann said the World Zionist Village could become “a home away from home for Jews from all over the world” who want to reconnect to Israel and find “healing, community, and purpose.” - Alexander Muss High School in Israel is an accredited high school study abroad program that prepares students for college and beyond. - Harman brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropic advancement. - Harman previously served as Associate Vice President at American Friends of Tel Aviv University, where she expanded engagement and strengthened partnerships in the Southeastern region. - Harman said investing in teenagers now can have a “lasting, generational impact.” - JNFuture is Jewish National Fund-USA’s community of young philanthropists ages 22 to 40 who share a passion for Israel. - Halpern spent 18 years as a synagogue executive director and started his career in marketing at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. - Halpern said he is eager to strengthen relationships among young professionals and build opportunities for the next generation of Zionists. - The announcement said JNFuture is cultivating the next generation of Jewish leaders and philanthropists and helping young people deepen their connection to Israel. - Jewish National Fund-USA CEO Russell F. Robinson said the appointments reflect the organization’s commitment to strengthening Zionist engagement at every stage of life.

Between the lines: - The three hires map to a broader strategy: recruitment and retention across youth, young adult and global engagement channels. - The organization is pairing program growth with leadership credibility, drawing on candidates with experience in government, higher education fundraising and synagogue management. - The emphasis on identity, community and connection suggests Jewish National Fund-USA is positioning these programs as long-term infrastructure, not just event-based outreach.

What’s next: - Jewish National Fund-USA says the new leaders will help strengthen Jewish identity, develop future leaders and deepen bonds with Israel. - The organization directed readers to more information about the World Zionist Village, Alexander Muss High School in Israel and JNFuture. - The new directors are expected to focus on relationship-building, program growth and community engagement in their national roles.

The bottom line: - Jewish National Fund-USA is sharpening its leadership bench to support a multi-generational push for Zionist engagement and Jewish community building.