Making Things Happen
JNF-USA’s Women for Israel is a powerhouse group that is steadfast in its devotion to the people and land of Israel
Leah Silver and Debbie Meitin get things done. Nominated to serve as cochairs of the local Women for Israel (WFI) committee last year, they continue to strengthen the Jewish community here and in Israel.
WFI is a philanthropic group that supports Jewish National Fund-USA’s mission of ensuring the future of the land and people of Israel. This multigenerational community of women inspires and empowers, forming connections, building networks, and developing solutions to challenges in Israel.
Working as One
Leah has lived in the Orlando area for 18 years, with her family being actively involved in the Jewish community, including at Congregation Ohev Shalom. After joining the JNF board in 2023, she got involved with WFI the following year.
“I wanted to give back to Israel and be a part of making a difference,” says Leah. “Jewish women make things happen when they work together and are focused on action.”
Debbie agrees, adding, “I think that women do a great job at organizing. We’re already very creative – planning for our families, our kids.”
Part of Orlando’s Jewish community for 39 years, Debbie went on a women’s trip to Israel in 2008 after the death of her first husband. She has remained active in JNF ever since and also serves on the WFI National Executive Committee.
Debbie and Leah are proud that Women for Israel offers support on the ground where it matters. The national group has built towns, changed lives, and made a direct impact in so many ways in Israel. Stateside, the group’s national board works to connect members and foster strong philanthropic, social, and professional relationships.
“Being a part of WFI has opened up opportunities for me to support Israel directly and contribute to meaningful work that is helping Israel from the inside out in a time where Jews around the world need to come together in support of Israel and the Jewish people,” says Leah.
“Jewish women make things happen when they work together and are focused on action.” – Leah Silver
Connections and Camaraderie
Locally, WFI organizes events to further education about Israel and connect local women who want to give back.
“I feel like we’re all good friends now,” says Debbie. “There’s real camaraderie there.”
Most recently, the local WFI group hosted a Tu BiShvat event at Congregation Ohev Shalom in Maitland. The program featured stations representing the seven species (agricultural products) of the Holy Land: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Each symbolizes different aspects of life and the human spirit, encouraging reflection on the connection between the land and its people.
“These seven species also have a connection to the seven action areas of JNF,” says Leah, “including community building, education, water environment, accessibility, heritage sites, and research and development.”
The Tu BiShvat program also included a presentation from Tania Pons Allon, director of the Kasser Joint Institute for Global Food, Water, and Energy Security. The Kasser Institute works in conjunction with the University of Arizona to exchange knowledge and experience with the Arava Valley area in Israel, especially regarding research in arid landscapes. Tania gave a presentation about advancing sustainable solutions for Israel’s food, water, and energy challenges.
Programs such as the Tu BiShvat event make Leah even more excited about WFI’s mission.
“Our hope is Jewish women in Orlando will join us on this journey to make a difference in Israel and around the world by participating in local and national Women for Israel initiatives and programming,” says Leah.
Adds Debbie, “If you love Israel, JNF is the place to go!”
To learn more, visit JNF.org.