JNF looks to the future with MC Hammer

Jewish National Fund's Future Party in Toronto features American rap musician, with proceeds going toward development of sports field in Israel's Kibbutz Hahotrim

Ashley Baylen|Published: 09.11.11 , 10:57

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has come a long way since the days its Blue Box (pushke) was its most recognizable feature. While the JNF continues to build Israel today, it also continues to have an eye to the future.

So, it should come as no surprise that on Thursday, September 22, the JNF will be holding its Future Party – featuring a talented musical icon, and a man who made balloon pants look good, MC Hammer, at Toronto’s Corus Quay (25 Dockside Drive).

Proceeds raised from the Future Party will go toward the development of a sports field at the Yafit Park complex in Kibbutz Hahotrim in the northern Carmel coast. The project will be an additional element in the park – a multi-functional sports field where the kibbutz residents can enjoy games of football, volleyball and basketball.

In 2000, the kibbutz economy collapsed, and as a result the community underwent radical changes in its socio-economic structure. The newly elected committee is made up of idealistic, motivated young people who put in extensive voluntary hours to improve social, economic and community life and, yes, Israel’s future.

One of their initiatives is the development of Yafit Park that will provide local area inhabitants with a pleasant, outdoors venue in which to gather and socialize.

The chairs of the JNF Future Party are Stephen Arbib, Lesley Glowinsky, Alana Konopny, Darren Slavens, and Candace Zwicker.

Coming together in support of Israel

“Engaging our community, more particularly engaging people from our generation within our community is a tremendously important issue,” explains Slavens. “JNF Future allows us to accomplish just that. The Future party allows us to raise funds for a tremendously worthwhile cause in Israel.

"Affecting the lives of the inhabitants of Hahotrim in such a positive way is a great feeling. Equally important however is the need to be out in the public eye as much as possible now more than ever to show our community and our city that we are proud of Israel, we support her and we will never be afraid to do so.”

“The JNF Future Party is a way for people to come together in support of Israel and have a great night of entertainment while doing so,” says Glowinsky.

“For me, the JNF is so important because it provides aid to so many people that need our help. They get involved and focus on many grass roots initiatives that other organizations don't target. There are so many people that need our support, and whatever I can do to help, I will continue to do.”