CEO Russell Robinson on making JPost's list of most influential Jews

JNF CEO Russell Robinson at the Ammunition Hill plaque dedicated to his father, Richard Robinson. 

We were thrilled to see CEO Russell Robinson named one of Jerusalem Post's 50 Most Influential Jews. We asked Russell to share some personal thoughts on this tremendous honor.

By Russell Robinson

I am humbled to have been chosen as No. 26 on the Jerusalem Post's list of 50 Most Influential Jews. I am reminded of a story I heard about Golda Meir, who once responded to a leading volunteer of the Jewish world admitting to feeling humbled: "You are not good enough yet to be humbled." Well I don't know if I am good enough, yet I am humbled.    

The selection came as a surprise: I turned on my computer one day and navigated to JPost (as is my morning ritual) and was shocked to see what was in the news. There it was!

I wasn't chosen as an individual though. Our organization, Jewish National Fund, was truly recognized as the No. 1 organization connecting all Jews everywhere to the land and people of Israel. 

We are recognized by all major philanthropic national organizations as one of the most outstanding nonprofits because of the thousands of volunteers contributing and telling the JNF story each and every day, with knowledge and with passion. They travel to Israel, get to know the people, help set the priorities and directions for our organization, and help raise the money needed to fund our dreams.    

At one of this year's Nefesh B'Nefesh aliyah flights. 

We have an amazing professional staff as well. If you travel and meet any of them, you'll see these wonderful people who believe, have passion, commitment, and a standard of professionalism that is second to none. They truly are a team deserving of the accolade No. 1.  

Being chosen No. 26 on the Jerusalem Post's list of most influential Jewish leaders is a great honor. Being part of the No. 1 organization, Jewish National Fund, a great and loving family, is even more exciting and fulfilling.  

At Jewish National Fund we have no time to listen to the noise of the negative and the ones who say "oh vey!" We are making an impact and getting things done! We are making our imprint for generations to come and leaving a legacy for our children and our children's children. Jewish National Fund is "Your Voice In Israel." 

This year, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem by joining JNF's reunification mission. Remember the family, come home for a visit.

With IDF soldiers at the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center.