Philanthropy and Civil Society in Israel

Conference overload. That’s pretty much how you can define the past several weeks. So many different and important events taking place in Israel touching on our world of philanthropy. And I know more than one U.S. resident who has pretty much been commuting for the last month.

One of the less publicized events was last week’s Sheatufim Conference on Philanthropy and Civil Society in Israel featuring a keynote address by Tony Blair. Speaking to the assembled guests, Blair said:

“The best ideas and the most creative solutions are not from the civil service but from people influenced and motivated by what they see happening around them.” He believes non-profit organizations, unhampered by the constrictions of government, can deliver services faster, more creatively and more efficiently than the bureaurcy of governments.

The Conference brought together approximately 400 government officials, Israeli and American philanthropists, and social and cultural activists for two days of professional panels, workshops and plain old-fashioned networking.

about: Sheatufim – The Israel Center for Civil Society, was founded in 2006 by Zionism 2000, Sacta-Rashi Foundation and the UJC. Striving to strengthen the relationships between government, the business world and the non-profit sector, Sheatufim works to strengthen the social vitality of Israel by developing and advancing a pluralistic, proactive, influential, professional and collaborative civil society.

read what the Jerusalem Post had to say about this Conference here.