San Antonio Celebrates Inclusion and Women’s Philanthropy
December 14, 2023
Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel of San Antonio gathered for a special musical revue to support the land and people of Israel
In early December, 130 members of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Women for Israel division along with the wider Jewish community hosted an inspiring musical event to celebrate inclusion while supporting the land and people of Israel. Attendees enjoyed a moving performance by the Special in Uniform Band, part of the Special in Uniform Program which is a unique initiative that integrates young Israelis with disabilities into the Israel Defense Forces. Soldiers in this program who are musically inclined have the ability to join the band which has toured worldwide breaking barriers and raising awareness.
Said Reagan Weil, Jewish National Fund-USA Executive Director, Southwest, of the program, “Special in Uniform, the only program of its kind anywhere in the world, focuses on the unique talents of each individual participant to help find a job within the IDF that is a perfect fit for their skills. The attention is on the ability, not the disability. And following their service, the organization facilitates career opportunities for Special in Uniform alumni so they can continue to contribute to Israel society.”
Describing the band’s impressive accomplishments, Weil shared, “the soldiers you’re going to hear tonight travel the world, representing the very best of the IDF, and the very best of Israel. Adi, Doron, and Amit have performed for Prime Ministers, Presidents, and Popes, and tonight they perform for us.”
The event was hosted at Congregation Rodfei Shalom and brought together a diverse cross-section of San Antonio’s Jewish women. Philanthropists from all backgrounds were proud to gather together in support of the Jewish Homeland and the brave young people who serve in Special in Uniform.
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel’s north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org.