Bob Levine’s 100th Israel trip has a bit of a siren song
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Bob Levine’s 100th Israel trip has a bit of a siren song

June 27, 2019, 9:30 am Edit
Yuval Kalmanovich, head of operations for firefighting and rescue at the Be’er Sheva Regional Station; Helen Levine; Shmulik Friedman, chief of operations for Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, and Bob Levine. (Courtesy JNF)
Yuval Kalmanovich, head of operations for firefighting and rescue at the Be’er Sheva Regional Station; Helen Levine; Shmulik Friedman, chief of operations for Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, and Bob Levine. (Courtesy JNF)

Bob Levine of Teaneck just completed his 100th trip to Israel. His wife, Helen, accompanied him, as she has dozens of times. Recalling his trip to Israel in 1951, Bob said, “We were flying past Arad, and I remember looking out the window and seeing only desert. Over the years, the country has undergone some miraculous changes. It’s all green now. I just can’t believe it.”

For the Levines, Israel’s ongoing growth and development is personal. Their lives are intertwined with their role in Jewish National Fund and its work in creating a better future for the land and people of Israel. In May, the Levines traveled to Israel on the President’s Society Mission, a special trip for JNF-USA President’s Society major donors, who are committed to the ongoing task of investing and building the future of Israel. Bob and Helen presented their newest contribution to Israel’s frontier — a brand-new fire truck, to go to the recently renovated Mitzpe Ramon fire station.

“One has to decide early in life if they are there for the larger global community, and if they want to contribute toward making the world a better place,” Bob Levine said. “Jewish National Fund was the vehicle we chose and it has given us the ability to express our appreciation for what we have.” He was surrounded by people who have benefited from his partnership over the years, including Mitzpe Ramon’s Mayor Roni Marom, Israel Fire Chief Shmulik Friedman, dozens of regional firefighters, and his JNF family.

The Levines’ investment in Mitzpe Ramon also extends past their philanthropic connection and now includes a newborn great-grand-niece, who will grow up in the thriving community. Speaking at the firehouse dedication, Mayor Merom echoed Bob’s deep and lasting connection to Israel. “The word ‘partnership’ is the best way to describe our relationship with Bob, Helen, and Jewish National Fund-USA. Mitzpe Ramon would not be able to move forward the way that we have without the full support of JNF and our American partners, in terms of community, tourism, and business development.”

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