ISRAELL'CHAIMOctober 2024

Innovating for Israel: Dr. Sol Lizerbram on Leadership, Legacy, and the Next Chapter

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By Stefan Oberman

As Dr. Sol Lizerbram’s seven-year presidency of Jewish National Fund-USA draws to a close, he reflects on his legacy and the future of Zionist leadership. He believes a new generation is already stepping up, ready to confront challenges and inspire their peers.

Lizerbram’s involvement with Jewish National Fund-USA began long before his presidency in 2017. He recalls, “As a child, I remember collecting donations through the iconic JNF Blue Box, symbolizing our community’s collective effort to support Israel.” His formal involvement began in the early 1980s after moving to San Diego, where he joined the local Jewish National Fund-USA board. From there, he helped develop a stronger structure for the organization, eventually serving on the national board and later as President.

A key part of Lizerbram’s presidency was fostering deeper connections with the organization’s supporters. He encouraged Jewish National Fund-USA to refer to donors as “partners” to reflect the unique relationship between the organization and its community. “If you want to be a ‘donor,’ give to the Heart Association,” he explained. “If you want to be a partner, then you give to Jewish National Fund-USA.”

Lizerbram also prioritized engaging younger generations, ensuring representation of JNFuture, Jewish National Fund-USA’s young donor society, on every board and committee. Through initiatives like its Jewish Leadership Institute and Alexander Muss High School in Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA continues to inspire future Zionist leaders.

One of his proudest achievements came during the COVID-19 pandemic when he introduced virtual missions to Israel. With travel impossible, Lizerbram and his wife, Lauren, spearheaded the idea of using Zoom to create virtual tours led by Israeli tour guides.

“It created a sense of unity that was unique,” he reflected. The initiative was a lifeline for the guides and engaged tens of thousands of participants. He also noted how the idea was just one of many his wife, Lauren, brought to the table, explaining, “I couldn’t have sustained my deep involvement without the support and involvement of Lauren. She has been the bedrock of our collective achievements.”

Another key milestone during Lizerbram’s tenure was reaching the $1 billion fundraising goal for Jewish National Fund-USA’s “One Billion Dollar Campaign,” aimed at improving the lives of Israelis in the Negev and Galilee. He remains humble about the achievement, crediting the dynamic team of professionals, partners, and lay leaders who contributed to the effort.

More recently, Jewish National Fund-USA’s response to the October 7 attacks in Israel has been a source of pride. The organization launched its Israel Resilience Campaign to provide food, shelter, and support to displaced Israelis in the country’s south.

“In just a few short months, we raised over $60 million,” he said, noting the parallel efforts to rebuild northern Israel.

As Lizerbram transitions to the role of Jewish National Fund-USA Chairman, he reflects on his presidency with gratitude. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as President,” he says. His leadership has left a lasting impact, and under his guidance, Jewish National Fund-USA remains poised to continue its historic work in Israel.

To learn more or to donate to Jewish National Fund, visit www.jnf.org.

 

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