Message from Co-Founder Lior Lev Sercarz

As co-founder and chief culinary officer of the Galilee Culinary Institute by Jewish National Fund-USA (GCI by JNF), I’ve written and spoken about why I believe this initiative will be a game-changer for the region. But at its heart, our vision is simple: bringing life to the Upper Eastern Galilee in Israel’s north.

It wasn't just about food when we chose this stunning area to build a world-class culinary center. We knew that GCI by JNF would align with Jewish National Fund-USA’s vision and Circle of Impact: to attract new families, create jobs, and open educational opportunities—all while putting the region on the global culinary map.

Of course, the journey isn’t without its challenges—first, the pandemic, then the war. But let me be clear: We never stopped building or moving forward. When our first students finally walk through their intensive 12-month program doors, they’ll find a state-of-the-art campus in an area fondly called the “Tuscany of Israel.”

Someone recently asked me if the war had dampened my enthusiasm for GCI by JNF. I couldn’t say ‘no’ fast enough. In a post-war Galilee, when so many evacuated families are wondering whether they can return and rebuild, GCI by JNF is a reason to say yes—yes to opportunity, yes to growth, and yes to a future here.

GCI by JNF isn’t just about training the next generation of chefs. It’s about something much bigger: a circle of impact that extends far beyond the kitchen. It starts in the kitchen and spreads outward, shaping employment, culture, sustainability, and regional identity.

Local farmers, artisans, and producers will collaborate with our students on recipes and methods, share knowledge, and strengthen the region’s economy.

Food is just the beginning. The cultural exchange happening at GCI by JNF is just as powerful. Students and faculty from around the world bring new techniques, fresh ideas, and global perspectives. We’ll create something uniquely Galilean: Rooted in history yet boldly innovative.

GCI by JNF will boost tourism, support local businesses, and create jobs. Our events, pop-ups, and collaborations will bring excitement and energy to the region, cementing the area’s status as a must-visit food destination.

And what about the local community? The impact is real: Education, mentorship, career opportunities —things that didn’t exist here before - are now taking root. GCI by JNF isn’t just about teaching people to cook; it’s about giving them a future in the Galilee. It ensures that local talent stays local, driving long-term growth and transformation.

Because when you invest in food, you invest in people. And when you invest in people, you change the world.

…And we’re just getting started!