Robin Yosef Benarroch , the 2025 JNF Negev Gala Honouree with his brother Al Benarroch recently the Winnipeg Jewish Review that his deep love for Israel “ stems from growing up in a very Zionist home and also from a deep religious connection. His love intensified when he first visited Israel in 1977 and was solidified when he went to study in Yeshiva in 1982 when he subsequently made Aliya in 1984. “My first visit was like coming home. I remember Yom Ha’ atzmaut in Jerusalem. I was walking by the Old City and as I passed by the Israel Philharmonic was playing Hatikva I had goosebumps and new one day this would be home.”
Al Benarroch, who is the President and CEO of the Jewish Child and Family Services, notes that “Israel has also always been in the life blood…. My parents grew up in Tangier, Spanish Morocco. They left Morocco at a time of mass exodus of Jews from the largest Jewish community in the Sephardic-Mizrachi world, and at a time when tensions for Jews there were rising and of massive immigration to Israel from around the world. They were deeply influenced by Judaism and traditional Jewish practise. To say that this was imbued with a deep love and pining for Israel, a rebuilding of Jerusalem, and for the coming of Mashiach would be an understatement. Stories of extended family that chose aliyah from Morocco and then to meet them in person on visits to Canada solidified a connection that Jews feel for each other all over the world.”
Funds raised from this year's Gala go towards the Sderot Resilience Centre's Family Therapy Wing. A portion of the funds will also go to the Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue and the Jewish Child and Family Services.
Rabbi Yosef Benarroch, who has served as the spiritual leader of Adas Yeshurun Herzlia Synagogue describes his decision to make aliya as “ a holistic one.” As he notes,”It came naturally. Over time studying in Israel it became clear to me this is where G-d wants us, this is the land where the Jewish story took place. Where our patriarch's and Matriarch's started our religion, where our Temple stood, where our prophets spoke. Every step I took in the land I wondered who else walked here? Did Avraham live in this place? With time it became clear to me that this is our natural home.”
Al Benarroch recalls “My feet first touched the Land of Israel (albeit the tarmac at Ben-Gurion Airport) on my JWC Grad trip in 1982. The overwhelming feelings of emotion, sentiment, and of “being home” can’t be put into words. Those who know, simply know.”
Al adds that his parents dedicated their entire beings to Jewish life, Jewish traditions, and to community. “Without us even realizing, they went without so that we could have the opportunities that they never had. They nourished us with love, clear boundaries, and the freedom to spread our wings…. They would be beaming with joy at their children’s success and the impacts that we have made on others. Being honoured by the JNF is an honour that I humbly hand over to my parents.”
Rabbi Benarroch praises his parents saying that their family always came first. “My mother was a lioness protecting her children my father was a man of deep faith and commitment to community and Judaism. They instilled in me a love for family and a love for Judaism and a love for Israel. There is not a dat that goes by that I don't thank G-d for giving me such parents.”
Al indicates “Our parents taught us humility. They imparted on us the Jewish teaching of not pursuing honour or accolades. ..We are so grateful and humbled to have been chosen as the 2025 JNF Negev Gala Honourees. If this honour offered to me and my dear brother can help inspire others to be agents of change, to improve the world – even just a little bit, and to make a difference, then it will be truly worthwhile. ‘
Rabbi Benarroch points out that Oct 7 reminded him and others that we must always support Israel because there are those who if they could would see to our destruction. “Oct 7th was a wake up call to fight for Israel but it was also a wake up call to fight for our Judaism. To me the equation is very simple. The more you are connected to Jewish roots to our sacred religious teachings the more likely you are to support Israel.”
The Rabbi also states that living in Israel is not always easy. He refers to the Talmud says "Israel is acquired only through hardship".
“We waited 2000 years to return and now it is time to dig in and make the sacrifice so that our children can live here,” he concludes
In Rabbi Benarroch’s view synagogue life is essential to the survival of the Jewish people, “because it is time tested.” As he points out Jews who are connected to synagogue and to our beautiful religion will more likely pass that on to their children and will more likely keep the flame of Judaism alive. ‘
As Al Benarroch says of his role as President and CEO of JCFS, “My deep commitment to the betterment and wellness of our Jewish community is what drives me. No community is perfect, and Judaism acknowledges this and that we will always have those that need help. Furthermore, it is incumbent on us to face this head on and pursue the supports and social equity deserved by all. This is what drives me and I will continue to pursue this at JCFS so that our community and ALL of its members can thrive and flourish as people and as Jews.”
In Rabbi Benarroch’s view synagogue life is essential to the survival of the Jewish people, “because it is time tested.” As he points out Jews who are connected to synagogue and to our beautiful religion will more likely pass that on to their children and will more likely keep the flame of Judaism alive.”
