Publised: https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com, 17 August 2026.
Jewish National Fund-USA will bring former Israeli diplomat Amb. Ido Aharoni Aronoff to Beachwood on Sept. 3 for an event called Jewish National Fund-USA’s Breakfast for Israel highlighting the organization’s work in Israel and Zionist engagement.
The free event, scheduled for 8 a.m., is chaired by local philanthropists Samantha Baskind and Dan Geller, and Linda and Clifford Wolf. Aronoff will discuss global affairs, Israel’s international standing and the impact of the war, while connecting those topics to JNF-USA’s work.
“I’ll talk about the big picture, what is happening in the world, what is happening in the region, what is the impact of the war on Israel’s standing,” Aronoff told the Cleveland Jewish News. “I’ll talk about Israel’s reputation. And then in the end, I’ll tie it all together with the work of the JNF.”
A 25-year veteran of Israel’s foreign service, Aronoff held several diplomatic positions in the United States. His last position was as Israel’s Consul General in New York, where he served from 2010 to 2016 and oversaw the operations of Israel’s largest diplomatic mission.
Since leaving government service, Aronoff has worked in business and academia. He founded the international advisory group Emerson Rigby, teaches at the university level in Israel and the United States, and frequently speaks on topics including global affairs, U.S.-Israel relations and diplomacy.
Aronoff said he welcomes opportunities to speak at JNF-USA events because he strongly believes in the organization’s mission.
“The Jewish National Fund is one of the organizations that is actively promoting an agenda that I completely and wholeheartedly believe in,” he said. “I’m always happy when I get an invitation from them.”
Aronoff said one aspect of JNF-USA’s work that stands out to him is its focus on Israel’s particular communities in the far north and south.
“These are the underserved areas that need more help than the center of the country,” he said.
He also highlighted JNF-USA’s support of projects ranging from safe spaces for children in Sderot to tourism and education initiatives.
“They’re helping Israel to promote tourism. They’re helping in education,” Aronoff said. “They’re helping in boosting and fortifying Israel’s brand by highlighting the qualities and the creative spirit of the people.”
Another important part of JNF-USA’s mission, Aronoff said, is its embrace of Zionism.
“A lot of people don’t understand. Zionism’s definition is very simple,” he said. “If you believe in self-determination for the Jewish people, then you’re a Zionist.”
Aronoff said he is particularly looking forward to returning to Cleveland, a community he has visited for decades and where he has developed many friendships.
“Cleveland is a very unique community in the sense that they are not huge in size, but they are huge in commitment,” he said.
He said the community’s impact extends beyond its size.
“What makes them iconic is that they’re punching way above their weight,” Aronoff said. “They have tremendous impact and influence, although they’re not that big. And that’s, I think, to the credit of the great people of Cleveland.”
To register, visit jnf.org/bficle. The address will be provided one week prior to the event.
