Last modified: Sunday, April 23, 2006 11:49 PM EDT Local woman gives her all for Israel BY STACEY M. PERLMAN/FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE Sara Hefez describes her self as a person who always has something to say. Her first trip to Israel in March, on the other hand, left her speechless. While working as a campaign executive for Jewish National Fund, the Mansfield resident recently got to see firsthand the projects that the organization has been developing for more than 100 years. It was an experience that Hefez said is hard to describe. `` It was a whirlwind experi ence,'' she said. `` It's so hard to put into words.'' Jewish National Fund was established in 1901 and for the first 50 years it purchased parcels of land for the development of a Jewish homeland. Over the last 50 years, the organization has focused on water development, planting trees, cultivating new communities, building tourist and recreation sites, constructing vital security roads and providing infrastructure in Israel as well as educating children all over the world. At last count, JNF has built 185 reservoirs and planted 250 million trees in Israel. `` It's the only country to have more trees at the end of the century than the beginning of the century,'' said Hefez. `` I think that's pretty cool.'' Despite the great amount of trees planted by the Jewish National Fund, Hefez emphasizes that the organization concentrates on developing Israel's land. `` People know Jewish National Fund for trees but we're so much more,'' she said. Hefez grew up in Sharon doing various community service projects and wanted to incorporate that into her career. After graduating from Boston University in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in advertising, she wanted something more meaningful that could still incorporate the skills she learned in college. Jewish National Fund became that outlet for Hefez and, after nearly a year working with the organization, she said she looks forward to going to work every day. `` (Community service) is a connection rooted within me from years past,'' said Hefez. `` This seemed like a natural progression.'' Hefez spends her days planning events, attending meetings and raising recognition and awareness about Israel in order to help bring more resources to the country. Her recent trip to Israel helped reinforce her passion for JNF's mission and also renewed her sense of pride in Israel and what it represent for Jewish people. `` It was everything I expected and more,'' she said of her trip. `` It was amazing to be in a country with other Jews.'' Hefez said one of her greatest moments in Israel was standing at the Wailing Wall while reciting the Shehechiyanu, a prayer thanking God for bringing her to this point in her life. The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall or the Kotel, is the supporting wall of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, which has remained intact since the destruction of the second Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD. The wall has remained a sacred spot for Jews religiously and nationally, a place for Jews to mourn the destruction of the Temple and their exile as well as a place of hope for the Temple's restoration. Hefez admitted to becoming very emotional as she stood in front of the Wall. `` I was so small standing in front of it,'' she said. `` It was more beautiful than I expected.'' Hefez also got to see the reservoirs and parks that are being developed through Jewish National Fund. Ofakim Park is a region in the southern desert of Israel, known as the Negev, that is being developed by the organization in hopes of drawing people from heavily populated areas. Hefez explained how one of the older buildings in the park is being turned into a coffee shop, a rarity in Israel. The shop is meant for parents to sit and relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while their children play in the nearby playground. `` There aren't very many coffee shops,'' said Hefez. `` It's something we as Americans take for granted.'' Although this was Hefez's first trip to Israel, she has many connections to the country. While her aunt and uncle lived in the country for two years, her husband's family, who are Egyptian Jews, also have strong ties to the land. Her husband's family's connections helped bring her closer to her already thriving interest in the country and she looks forward to returning again someday. For now Hefez is concentrating on spreading the word about Israel's need for resources and emphasized that Jewish National Fund has no religious or political ties. `` This is about the people and the land of Israel,'' she said. `` That's what I feel bound to.'' (Anyone is welcome to join JNF regardless of religious denomination, she said. People can get involved by making donations, volunteering their time or sharing their connections and teaching others about the organization. For more information, visit www.jnf.org or call 617-423-0999. All volunteers and donators are also welcome to attend monthly missions to Israel.) Stacey Perlman is an intern at The Sun Chronicle from Northeastern University and can be reached at perlman.s(at)(at)neu.edu.