JNF’s changing of the guard
A LOVE of the outdoors combined with a passion for Israel are what drives new Jewish National Fund (JNF) NSW president Pam Krail.
The self-described “health and exercise nut” was elected unopposed at the organisation’s annual general meeting last Wednesday, replacing Alex Abulafia.
She told The AJN that her Hebrew teacher mother instilled a love of Israel in her at a young age.
“She ran a cheder. Every Shabbat when she was teaching the kids, she had the candles, the kufsa [charity box], and the challah and the wine,” she said.
“She was a Zionist, she was passionate about Israel, it was part of our upbringing as kids … So it’s all in the blood.”
Krail became involved in JNF after taking part in a walkathon in Israel five years ago and seeing firsthand areas it has transformed.
“I basically fell in love with the concept of what we as JNF Australia are involved with,” she said.
She joined the marketing committee, then the board, “and here I am”.
“I like a challenge,” she continued, “I like creating things.
“And we have a fantastic executive team on board that we work with, and it just all has the right energy for me.”
She said a key message she’d like to communicate to the community is the diversity of projects JNF is involved in, which goes far beyond planting trees.
“We fund and make an actual difference to the communities that we support, especially in the South of Israel. And we’re very proud of the fact that our donor funds are directly project-specific,” she said.
“My vision is that we bring that kufsa back next to the candles on the table … the tie in between Yiddishkeit and Zionism will all come together and keep growing if we do that.”
Krail also paid tribute to Abulafia.
“Alex, together with the board, has done an outstanding job over the last four years and those are big shoes to fill,” she said.
Abulafia, who will remain on the board as immediate past president as well as sitting on JNF’s national board, said he had enjoyed being able to make a difference.
“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done,” he said, making mention of the many projects completed during his term, the organisation’s success in repositioning itself within the community and successes in re-energising the team.
“The last four years have been hard work without doubt, but a very worthwhile four years,” he said.
The AGM also saw the appointment of two new board members, David Moses and Steve Sher.
GARETH NARUNSKY
New JNF NSW president Pam Krail. Photo: Gareth Narunsky
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