Professor Explains Vital Role of Israel's Third Sector
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Professor Beni Gidron's new book explores Israel's vital third sector, comprising non-profit and voluntary organizations crucial for democracy. He details its historical development, unique characteristics, and evolving role in providing services and driving social change. The book also examines the changing dynamics of philanthropy and the increasing involvement of the business sector in supporting social causes.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Professor Beni Gidron's new book details the historical development and vital role of Israel's third sector.
- The third sector, distinct from business and public sectors, relies on volunteers and diverse funding.
- This sector provides essential services and advocates for policy and social change in democracies.
- Civil society's strength is shown in proactive problem-solving during crises, not just voting.
- Philanthropy is evolving, with Israeli tycoons increasing contributions and 'impact organizations' emerging.
Professor Beni Gidron, in a new book, details his life's work exploring Israel's third sector, which he argues is essential for democracy. He explains how this sector, comprising non-profit and voluntary organizations, operates during crises and how the business sector's social involvement is evolving.
Gidron's book chronicles his personal journey from his childhood in Haifa to his extensive research and establishment of frameworks for the third sector in Israel. He aimed to document the historical development of this sector while critically examining the balance between his career and personal life, emphasizing the necessity of family support for professional endeavors.
He defines the third sector as distinct from the profit-driven business sector and the government-mandated public sector. Characterized by its non-profit status, reliance on diverse funding sources including donations, and the crucial integration of volunteers in its management and operations, the third sector emerged as a distinct entity in the 1980s and 1990s. Its roles include providing services unmet by other sectors and advocating for policy and social change, particularly within democratic systems.
Reflecting on the early days of his research, Gidron recalls the initial confusion surrounding the term 'third sector' in academic and public spheres. His work, including mapping the sector's scope, budget, and activities, helped conceptualize its dual functions: service provision and civil society development. He notes that understanding this sector took time, with early research focusing on its descriptive aspects and comparative dimensions.
Gidron highlights the sector's dynamic nature, citing examples like the "Brothers in Arms" movement, which transitioned from protest to service provision during wartime. He emphasizes that civil society's strength lies in proactive problem-solving rather than passive adherence to leadership directives, a trait he believes is uniquely Israeli and evident globally during crises.
He further discusses the evolving landscape of philanthropy, noting a shift in contributions from American Jews and an increasing responsibility taken by Israeli tycoons. The business sector's engagement is also growing, with companies adopting non-profits and the rise of 'impact organizations' that blend social goals with profit-making, such as companies employing individuals with disabilities or those in rehabilitation.