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A Florida emergency room physician led the Jewish National Fund-USA Brotherhood Mission to Israel, bringing support to communities devastated by the October 7 Hamas attacks. The mission assembled nearly 50 participants, predominantly from South Florida, who raised an impressive more than $2 million through grassroots community efforts. These funds are now being directed toward rebuilding the Gaza Envelope region, extending compassionate aid to Israeli citizens, and addressing both urgent and long-term needs across affected communities.
Dr. Steve Katz spoke with ILTV News this week.
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JNF-USA BROTHERHOOD MISSION
(ILTV)
ILTV: Most of us don’t wake up thinking, “Maybe I’ll raise a million or two for Israel today.” What motivated you to stand up for Israel in such a philanthropic way?
Katz: After October 7, it became even clearer to me that this was not the time to stand on the sidelines as a Jew. We are all committed to the State of Israel and to our brothers and sisters in Israel. We must either join the army or help our people in some meaningful way. We always joke with our Brotherhood Mission that we’re the support staff—providing fuel to the people on the ground who are doing the heavy lifting.
ILTV: Can you share more about the group you brought to Israel?
Katz: Last year, I brought 38 men from around the United States, mostly from South Florida, to Israel. We raised $1.1 million. This year, we had 45 men and raised almost $2.4 million—all for projects in Israel. Most of these were people I knew personally or who were connected through mutual friends. It’s really been an amazing brotherhood of kindred spirits, all committed to the people of the State of Israel.
ILTV: During your delegation’s visit, can you share a moment that really touched you—especially in the aftermath of October 7?
Katz: One of the most common conversations we had—whether it was at the rehab facilities of Tel Hashomer or ADI Negev, where we met injured soldiers, or with former hostages—was: Why are you here? Thank you for being here. It was a very humbling experience. We were being thanked when, in reality, we weren’t the ones doing the heavy lifting. It’s the people on the ground in Israel. The fact that Israel has been so unfairly portrayed in the media, that the victims have been turned into the oppressors, is the shameful part of this entire story. It was deeply moving to be considered worthy of gratitude—when really, it should be the other way around.
ILTV: You’ve raised such an incredible sum of money for Israel. How does it feel to see the work of Jewish National Fund-USA in person?
Katz: It’s extremely motivating to see the projects we funded last year. Those fields were empty—Ramon Farm in particular, in the Negev. This year, we went back and saw children planting in those same fields, and soldiers receiving PTSD therapy there. It’s incredibly moving to witness our role in the ongoing story of the Jewish people.
ILTV: What’s next for next year? And if viewers want to join, how can they sign up?
Katz: Next year, we plan to bring 100 people. Our goal is to raise $4 million for projects in Israel. I’m super confident we’re going to do it.
First published: 07:40, 03.24.25