New Initiative Boosts Israeli Presence at Global Aid Conferences Amidst Boycotts
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
A new initiative by OLAM, SID Israel, and Nura Global Innovation Lab is providing financial and professional support to Israeli and Jewish aid professionals attending international conferences. This program aims to counter increased difficulties in fundraising and collaboration faced by these professionals since October 7th, exacerbated by reported anti-Jewish bias and boycotts. The first delegation of 22 professionals from eight countries is attending the AidEx conference in Geneva, with plans for future delegations over two years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A new initiative offers financial and professional support to Israeli and Jewish aid professionals at international conferences.
- The program aims to counter increased difficulties in fundraising and collaboration since October 7th.
- Research indicates significant anti-Jewish bias and a desire for professional networks among Jewish aid workers.
- Israeli aid organizations report reduced fundraising, fewer collaborations, and threatened partnerships.
- The first delegation of 22 professionals from eight countries is attending the AidEx conference in Geneva.
A new initiative, led by the organization OLAM in partnership with SID Israel and Nura Global Innovation Lab, aims to strengthen the international presence of Israeli and Jewish aid and development professionals. This program provides financial assistance and professional support for participants attending international conferences, a response to increasing difficulties in resource mobilization and collaboration faced by Israeli organizations and Jewish professionals since October 7th.
The initiative launched this week with a delegation of 22 professionals from eight countries attending the AidEx conference in Geneva, a major event in international humanitarian aid and development. The program is planned for two years and will include further delegations to international forums. Participants will receive funding for their attendance, along with pre-conference, during-conference, and post-conference professional preparation and support.
The need for this initiative is underscored by research commissioned by OLAM, where a majority of Jewish professionals in international aid organizations reported experiencing anti-Jewish bias or tension at work. 85% expressed a strong desire for a professional network offering connections and mutual support. Israeli aid organizations also report significant challenges; a SID Israel survey found 60% of respondents experienced a decline in their ability to raise funds or attract investors since the war began, and about 40% reported a decrease in international collaborations. Over a third encountered threats or actual cessation of partnerships, with a similar percentage reporting growing uncertainty about the renewal of multi-year grants.
The first delegation includes professionals from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Mexico, and South Africa, with Israelis forming over half the group. Their work spans global health, refugee aid, climate change adaptation, disaster response, and social entrepreneurship. While Israel is not officially represented by the Foreign Ministry or Mashav, Israel's national aid agency, at AidEx this year, civil society organizations and professionals are leading the Israeli presence.
Daniel Maron, Israel's outgoing ambassador to the UN and international organizations in Geneva, met with the delegation and stated that Israeli aid activities serve as a response to accusations against the country. "Extending aid to people in distress around the world is a basic Jewish and Israeli value that must be a high priority," Maron said, emphasizing that demonstrating Israel's contributions to others is the best answer to criticism. Eilat Levin-Karp, CEO of SID Israel, explained that the initiative addresses the tangible impact on Israeli organizations' standing, making fundraising harder and partnerships less certain. Dina Ginzburg, CEO of OLAM, noted that the program offers not only financial aid but also support in navigating complex interactions with international colleagues. Chagit Freud, Manager of Nura Global Innovation Lab, added that the goal is to build long-term professional resilience and equip Israeli and Jewish professionals with the tools to succeed internationally.