Articles by Dan Spear

After a life changing journey to Israel in 2014 I knew that I needed to return. I found the Jewish National Fund through at a local event about water and became interested in its Volunteer Vacation option. I raised money and returned to Israel in the winter of 2016. This second trip was more profound than the first. To plant trees and be, even momentarily, a part of the stellar projects that JNF is involved in -- from Special in Uniform to Aleh Negev to the noble community of Halutza -- was a stirring experience. Beyond just supporting Israel I was taking action to make it a better place for all of its citizens. Upon my return to the states I committed myself to trying to grow a JNF presence in Portland and Oregon. We have put on many small events and are always looking for new people to share JNFs mission and projects with. When I am not campaigning for JNF I am starting my own multi-family real estate company, working as a Program Manager, and enjoying hiking, boxing, poetry, ice hockey, yoga and cider making.