The Conversation asked Hanna Shaul Bar Nissim, a scholar of Jewish philanthropy, to describe recent trends in U.S. giving to Israeli causes and how it’s changing.
Is US Jewish giving to Israeli causes significant?
Yes. Nonprofits in Israel say they get an estimated US$2 billion a year in donations from other countries. Over half of that is from Jewish organizations and individuals in North America, mostly the United States. Jewish federations, regional organizations that give collectively to causes in the U.S. and in foreign countries, private family foundations and donor-advised funds provide the lion’s share of this money.
U.S. Jewish giving to Israeli causes has been significant since the country’s founding 75 years ago in 1948. These donations have supported secular and faith-based programming and organizations, sustained community institutions, funded the work of advocacy organizations and met social and educational needs.
This kind of philanthropy is a traditional expression of emotional attachment to Israel that is shared by Jews of many different backgrounds and denominations. About 2 in 3 American Jews personally feel connected to Israel, according to recent research.
Do wars and other major conflicts usually affect Jewish giving to Israel?
Traditionally, more American Jews have donated to Israeli causes during emergencies, military operations and environmental disasters, and they’ve given more money amid crises.
The Conversation asked Hanna Shaul Bar Nissim, a scholar of Jewish philanthropy, to describe recent trends in U.S. giving to Israeli causes and how it’s changing.
Is US Jewish giving to Israeli causes significant?
Yes. Nonprofits in Israel say they get an estimated US$2 billion a year in donations from other countries. Over half of that is from Jewish organizations and individuals in North America, mostly the United States. Jewish federations, regional organizations that give collectively to causes in the U.S. and in foreign countries, private family foundations and donor-advised funds provide the lion’s share of this money.