October 30, 2011 – Boston, MA — Ronald S. Lauder,Chairman of the Board of Jewish National Fund (JNF), is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Blank as incoming Boston Regional President.
In an address to his board members, Blank declared his passion for the organization.
“JNF is about action and dreams, about a vision for the brightest future; where improved quality of life and a rejuvenated land are the norm, not the exception,” said Blank. ”For example, we’ve built an enormous indoor playground for the children of Sderot, a community close to the border with Gaza and subject to rocket attacks for years. To see some joy finally in those children who’ve been traumatized for years was one of the most uplifting feelings I have ever experienced.”
Over the past decade, under the inspired leadership ofChairman of the Board Jeffrey Davis, Zone President Lawrence Cohen, Presidents Emeritus Robert Cohan and Ronald Lubin, and VP of Campaign Todd Patkin, JNF New England has helped fund the construction of reservoirs, new communities in the Negev, Beer Sheva River Promenade, security roads along the border of Lebanon and more. The New England Zone, under the leadership of Amy and the late Natan Parsons, has initiated the JNF-Parsons Water Fund, Green Horizons Youth Movement, the Wall of Eternal Life and Project: Baseball, and others.
Blank, who has been a member of Makor, JNF’s speakers bureau, for three years, went on to talk about his connection to JNF: “Jewish National Fund is a century-old organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of the people of Israel. Today, Herzl’s dream of a homeland for the Jewish people is a reality that no one, anywhere, can deny us. As someone who has been to Israel many times, I can assure you there is no better way to ensure this reality than by supporting this organization.”
“We are blessed to have Michael as our president, and are confident that our region will grow to an even higher level,” shared Sharon Freedman, National Campaign Director. “Michael’s knowledge about the work we do in Israel and his dedication to JNF is outstanding.”
Blank is a Principal at Braintree Street Realty and was co-owner of Arthur Blank & Company for over 30 years. Michael has also been involved in many non-profits including the Chabad of Merrimack Valley, Miller Convertible Fund and Temple Beth Am of Framingham. His passion for Israel extends to the whole family. Michael’s mother Dorothy and his wife Pat are proud members of the Sapphire Society, JNF’s women’s major gift division. Michael and Pat’s three children, Aaron, Sam and Julie have followed in their parent’s footsteps. Aaron is an IDF Sergeant and Sam will enlist at the end of this year. Julie travels to Israel yearly and is currently getting her graduate degree at Columbia.
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