Rules of Engagement: Giving to Israel Despite Reservations
by Josh Buchin
For many young Jews, the subject of philanthropy for the sake of Israel does not occupy much of their time. Whether it’s because the issue is too political or too overwhelming, the topic often gets pushed aside in favor of other forms of philanthropy. But for some young Jewish philanthropists, Israel is an area that truly speaks to them. PT sat down with young philanthropists to discuss why giving to Israel can be an important and relevant issue in our day-to-day lives.
“Theodor” wishes to remain anonymous. He is an active lay leader in the Jewish community of Luxembourg.
Tell us a little about how you personally choose to support Israel.
I support Israel in different ways: by giving money to Israel through Keren Hayesod, the fundraising arm of the Jewish Agency; by serving as a volunteer on the board of Keren Hayesod, to collect money for Israel; and lastly by taking part in the activities of the Young Leadership, the youth division of Keren Hayesod, to educate the young adult generation to give to Israel.
What sparked your interest in supporting Israel? How has your interest evolved over time?
I had family there, and my parents got married there. So I thought positively of it. My Hebrew name is Israel, and nearly nobody knows this, but my second name is Theodor, because my parents decided to name me after Theodor Herzl. Then I was involved in Jewish organizations, and no matter which ones they were – Jewish boy scouts in France, BBYO, B’nai B’rith – all were supportive of Israel.
Are there aspects of supporting Israel that you find challenging? If so, which and why?
Yes. Giving money is not a material act for me but a spiritual one. If it were a material question, I would rather keep my money. But as a Jew, I know that giving is a mitzvah. When I start thinking of Israel, and especially some of the aspects that I dislike, I do not necessarily feel I belong to these people. I do not live in Israel, I do not feel I am a part of the Israeli society, nor do I necessarily adhere to all its values. But I believe I share the most essential ones, and I live with that.
How does our generation donate to Israel in new and different ways from our parents’ generation?
I feel that I am giving like the previous generation, not in a different way. I realize people today want to be informed more than in the past of what is being done with their money. Trust is not sufficient anymore, people want to know, to control, to make choices. I feel that because I do not live there, I should not decide how they should allocate this help.
What impact do you feel the state of Israel’s economy should have on a decision whether or not to donate to Israel?
If the economy is working well, fundraising efforts should be lower, and when the economy is in crisis and money is needed, one should donate more.
How do you believe supporting Israel impacts the relationship between Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora?
I believe it creates a strong link for the Jews of the Diaspora. They feel more concerned when they give. Now for Israelis, I am not sure about how they feel about Jews in the Diaspora giving money. Do they like it? Probably they would prefer not to need the money.
How do you see the Israel-Diaspora relationship evolving in the future, and what role can or should philanthropy play in this development?
I see it as more Israel-focused in the future. Or Israel-driven as opposed to Diaspora-driven. Israel should take the lead in showing the Diaspora where its needs are. This is certainly a challenge at a time when people want control, but I am sure Israelis, with their typical Israeli style, will make it a point to remain independent in their decisions.
Sara Timen is Program Associate at the New York State Health Foundation. She currently serves on the Clinton Foundation’s Harlem Apple Pi, a team of teachers and physicians who consult on improving health curriculum in New York.
Tell us a little about how you personally choose to support Israel.
Lots of ways – through specific monetary contributions that my husband and I make to AIPAC, Magen David Adom, and Yad Sarah. This year I also did something unique: I raised money for the ONE Family Fund while training for the New York City Triathlon. It was a very powerful way for me to feel close to Israel – through a physical connection. I got to hear from two victims of terror through ONE Family Fund. The victims were supportive of what we were doing for them, and it was a very emotional evening. It had a huge impact on me.
How does your giving to Israel affect or relate to your understanding of your Jewish identity?
Giving to Israel is a responsibility because I’m not there. I’m not in the [Israeli] army, I’m not paying taxes. Giving to Israel is not a choice, it’s a necessity. It’s not a guilt complex; for me, part of being a Jew is supporting Israel.
Are there aspects of supporting Israel that you find challenging? If so, which and why?
Politics are a challenge for me. Some of Israel’s politics are hard for me to rectify with my own beliefs – to reconcile my social and humanist interests with some of what goes on in Israel. I don’t struggle in terms of support, but I think about it a lot. Sometimes the social, religious, and spiritual aren’t always parallel.
How does our generation donate to Israel in new and different ways from our parents’ generation?
Our generation has a lot of alternatives and different opportunities to become connected. I want to make Israel a place for all Jews to enjoy. I don’t know if my parents saw it that way – a lot of my parents’ passion about Israel was for how new Israel was. That novelty has worn off.
What impact do you feel the state of Israel’s economy should have on a decision whether or not to donate to Israel?
In theory, I don’t think it should have an impact. It’s a difficult question for me because I feel that giving is such an individual decision. If people are struggling financially here as well, I don’t know if they should still have to give.
How do you believe supporting Israel impacts the relationship between Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora?
I’d like to think that it strengthens it. It should be comforting for Israelis to know that people support them. Philanthropy is a way of showing our brothers and sisters in Israel that they are not alone.
How do you see the Israel-Diaspora relationship evolving in the future, and what role can or should philanthropy play in this development?
The beauty of philanthropy is that you’re investing in something. If you invest in Israel, you want to see it succeed. It’s a cycle that continues, and it’s a powerful tool that can help strengthen a connection with Israel. You’re investing in the relationship – that’s philanthropy’s role.
Benjamin Gordon, an expert on logistics, is Managing Director for BG Strategic Advisors (BGSA), and previously founded 3PLex, the Internet solution enabling logistics companies. He received a master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor of arts degree from Yale College.
What sparked your interest in supporting Israel? How has your interest evolved over time?
In 1991, I spent two months in Israel with the Alexander Muss High School program. The Gulf War had just ended, and Iraqi Scud missiles were still sitting throughout Ramat Gan. I awoke one morning to the sound of planes flying low – planes from Ethiopia, flying for Operation Solomon. To me, this was the embodiment of the Zionist dream: Israel undeterred by warring neighbors, and working hard to bring more Jews home. I thought that dichotomy was beautiful, and I still do.
How does your giving to Israel affect or relate to your understanding of your Jewish identity?
I often remember Chaim Weizmann’s response to a member of the British Parliament who asked why the Jews “insist on Palestine” when there are more “convenient” countries available: “Why did you drive 50 miles to visit your mother last Sunday, when there are so many old ladies living on your street?” I support Israel because it is the foundation of what it means to be Jewish. Israel is the historic Jewish homeland, and the site of more than five million Jews today.
How does our generation donate to Israel in new and different ways from our parents’ generation?
First and foremost, we don’t automatically support the big institutions. Instead, many of us believe in targeted giving, focused on specific projects with clear accountability.
What impact do you feel the state of Israel’s economy should have on a decision whether or not to donate to Israel?
The state of Israel’s economy should have no bearing on that decision. You should donate to Israel because you want a Jewish homeland. The state of Israel’s economy should influence how you give, not whether you give. Israel has advanced and its economy has changed, but that should not make us question whether to give. We should focus instead on the new avenues that exist for us to give.
How do you see the Israel-Diaspora relationship evolving in the future, and what role can or should philanthropy play in this development?
Israel will not need the Diaspora for economic development. Old challenges will persist – absorbing immigrants, keeping vulnerable teens off the streets, narrowing the wealth-poverty gap – but new challenges will also increase. Diaspora Jews can play an important role by supporting Israel – financially, psychologically, morally. Yes, you can write a check, but philanthropy is about much more than money; it’s about ruach (spirit) and freylachkeit (happiness). Go there, see the needs on the ground, look for problems – and find solutions!
Josh Buchinis a Jewish educator working in the San Francisco Bay area.
This post is from the just-released PresenTense Philanthropy issue; you can also subscribe to PresenTense Magazine and receive this, and future issues, delivered directly to you.