Winnipeg, MB - On August 10, 2014, the Jewish National Fund of Canada – Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region (JNF) will be serving up a traditional Israeli Breakfast at Lakeview Resort Gimli for the second annual Breakfast for Israel fundraiser. Due to the urgent crisis in Israel, the proceeds of the event will go towards the JNF Emergency Campaign which supports two initiatives; giving children from the south some time to recuperate at the Nes Harim Field & Forest Educational Centre in the Jerusalem Hills for a day and night, and building ten mobile bomb shelters to safeguard the lives of citizens.

“JNF Canada is working hard to support the citizens of Israel at this time of crisis,” says Rob Berkowits, Executive Director of the JNF Manitoba/Saskatchewan Region, “The net proceeds from Breakfast for Israel will give a number of children some time to get away from the violence and just be kids and will help contribute to safety of citizens in the line of fire.”

Providing a break and protection from the missiles cannot change the reality of what is happening in Israel, but it can help change the way residents cope with crisis in their lives. A $180 donation pays for one child to enjoy a full day and night away at summer camp to give them a chance to recuperate together and continue to function as normally as possible. In addition, some of the proceeds will also help to build mobile bomb shelters to protect citizens living near the border. Each mobile bomb shelter costs $30,000. 

“Breakfast for Israel is a great way to engage JNF supporters who spend their summers at the lake,” says Berkowits, “Guests really enjoyed last year’s event and we hope to have an even better turnout in Gimli this year, especially given the urgent need for support at this time of crisis.”

While guests enjoy their breakfast, they will hear a presentation from Eitan Weiss, Head of Public Diplomacy for the Embassy of Israel to Canada, who is travelling from Ottawa to attend. Mr. Weiss will give attendees an insider’s perspective on current events and issues effecting Israel today.

Breakfast for Israel is also a way to involve and engage JNF's board members. In addition to having people call and register, board members (as well as other members of the community) are acting as “table captains”. This means that each table captain is personally inviting their friends and family in order to fill their table of eight. The JNF is asking for a minimum $36 from each attendee, $18 for children under 13 and children 6 and under are free to attend. Guests who donate any amount over and above $36 will receive a tax receipt for the charitable portion (i.e. a $54 donation will receive an $18 tax receipt).

The event will be casual, with shorts, flip-flops and sundresses encouraged. The breakfast, consisting of an assortment of salads, baked goods and other Israeli foods will be served family style.

To register to attend Breakfast for Israel or to become a table captain, please call the JNF office at 204-947-0207 or email [email protected].