Israeli Giving Shifts Focus From Emergency Aid to Long-Term Recovery

Three years after the unprecedented wave of donations following the October 7th attacks, Israeli philanthropy has not disappeared but is redirecting its focus. While initial contributions concentrated on immediate emergency needs like food and supplies, donors are now increasingly supporting long-term recovery efforts, direct transfers, and a broader sense of civic responsibility. Uri Ben Shlomo, a spokesperson for the donation platform Jgive, noted a dramatic increase in donations, with 330 million shekels flowing in around October 7th, compared to 160 million shekels in the preceding year. Although initial concerns arose that the generosity might wane after the immediate crisis subsided, donation figures continued to rise, reaching nearly 400 million shekels last year and exceeding that amount this year. This trend indicates a significant shift in Israeli society's approach to giving, moving from a practice associated with a specific group of philanthropists to a broader feeling of civic duty.

Ben Shlomo emphasized that the majority of funds processed through Jgive originate from within Israel, despite the perception of substantial global support following the war. While foreign contributions, particularly from the US, increased during the conflict, Israelis themselves have significantly opened their wallets. This has also strengthened the financial and emotional ties between Israel and global Jewish communities, though this relationship has become more complex. A notable change identified by Ben Shlomo is the growing desire among donors to contribute directly to specific organizations or initiatives, bypassing traditional intermediary institutions. This trend is particularly evident in the US, where technology now allows donors to select and fund causes directly, though traditional federations still play a crucial role in large-scale philanthropy.

The establishment of a national emergency fund facilitated rapid distribution of money to identified needs and organizations. Ben Shlomo views recovery as a new category in Israeli philanthropy, encompassing physical and mental rehabilitation, civilian recovery, and the long-term support for communities and families affected by the conflict. This area has attracted new professionals, such as doctors and psychologists, to the non-profit sector, bringing their expertise to address pressing needs. The post-October 7th era has also seen a rise in personal involvement, with a younger generation of donors showing a greater interest in the specifics of where their money goes, mirroring investment world practices. This increased engagement has transformed giving from a niche activity to a perceived essential component of civic identity, with many Israelis now actively participating through donations or volunteering.

Ben Shlomo highlighted the significant volume of donations from the general public, with nearly 90,000 donations totaling 60 million shekels in the last month of the holidays alone. He believes this demonstrates a core aspect of the Israeli DNA, characterized by widespread participation even in smaller amounts. Looking ahead, Ben Shlomo is focused on transitioning the emergency-driven enthusiasm into sustained, routine giving, aiming to make Israel a "social superpower" with a culture of solidarity and mutual support. He remains confident in Israel's ability to mobilize similar levels of support in future crises, as evidenced by the response during the current conflict.