Legendary former Auburn University men’s basketball coach and Boston-area native Bruce Pearl will return home this fall to headline “Hoops, Heart & Israel,” a Jewish National Fund-USA event examining how sports have the power to bridge divides and build lasting communities. Pearl will reflect on the defining moments of his career and draw on his experiences bringing players to Israel to see the country firsthand as he discusses leadership, teamwork, and why he has made support for the land and people of Israel an integral part of his life beyond the court.
On Monday, October 26, 2026, the sports-themed program will spotlight the organization’s investments in state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities that contribute to the vitality and resilience of Israel’s growing communities, making these frontier regions more attractive places to live, raise families, and build a future in the Jewish homeland. Such infrastructure is a key component of Jewish National Fund-USA’s broader efforts to encourage population growth in the Negev and Galilee regions, while helping municipalities meet the needs of current and future residents.
“When we talk about the future of Israel’s North and South, we’re talking about creating places where people genuinely want to put down roots and build their lives,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Boston Board President Jay Shuman, who has played a key role in planning the event. “That requires more than homes and jobs. It means creating an environment where children can flourish, families have opportunities to enjoy life together, and the next generation can envision a future for themselves in these regions.”
Pearl’s appearance will bring his journey full circle, returning him to the region where his basketball story began for an evening centered on a cause he has championed throughout his career.
The event is chaired by local philanthropists Aaron Albert, Kathy & Gary Cohen, Suzanne & Lawrence Cohen, and Sandra & Gary Kramer.
For more information or to register for the event, visit jnf.org/hoops or contact Jake Levine, Jewish National Fund-USA Executive Director, Greater New England, at Jacob.Levine@jnf.org 617-423-0999 ext. 813.
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