Wake Up for Israel, Thu, Apr 23rd, 2026 @ 8:00 AM Jewish National Fund-USA

Online registration for this event has closed. For more information or to register, please contact Adam Tennen at atennen@jnf.org.

Join Jewish National Fund-USA for a powerful morning of community in recognition of Israel's 78th Independence Day. Learn about our extraordinary work rebuilding and reimagining a stronger Israel, hear how lives are being transformed, and understand how you are helping turn readiness into response. Now more than ever, your support makes all the difference.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

8:00 am • Registration & Coffee Reception

8:30 am • Main Plenary

9:45 am • Exclusive Post-Reception with Gil Hoffman*

Potomac, MD
Address Provided One Week Prior to Event

View full bio in Featuring tab

Featuring

Gil Hoffman

Veteran Israeli Political Analyst

With decades of experience in political journalism, Gil Hoffman has led the charge against media bias and global antisemitism. Hear how Gil defends Israel’s story on the world stage and why you should be hopeful about the future of the Jewish state.

Special Guests

Sawsan Hasson, Minister for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of Israel

Shir Madness, Student A Cappella Group, Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

Ticket Pricing

Main Plenary Admission • Complimentary

*Post-Reception with Gil Hoffman is exclusive for partners giving $500 or more to the current campaign (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026)

Event Chairs

Ellen Werner Shaller & Elliot Shaller • Jennifer & Jonathan Weinberg

Host Committee

Fern & Larry Bensignor • Suzanne & Michael Feinstein

Ivy Fields & Donald Gutman • Larry Fishbein • Kim & Arnie Hiller

Saradona & Leonard Lefkowitz • Marsha Liss • Adrienne Rulnick

Suzanne & Josh Schonfeld • Lynn & David Stander • Rita & Chet Stein

Michele Weil & Chuck Fax

In Formation

Local Leadership

Dr. Chet Stein, President, Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors

Josh Schonfeld, President, Greater Washington Board of Directors

RSVP Required

No Cost To Attend

Dietary Laws Observed

For security purposes pre-registration is required for all guests. Attendees are required to show photo ID, and may be subject to a security check, including bag search. We reserve the right to refuse entry at our discretion.

More Information

Adam Tennen, Executive Director, Mid Atlantic

atennen@jnf.org • 301.589.8565 x842