Episode 2 of What Gives? The Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network.

Guest: Ilia Salita, President and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group

Throughout Europe and the U.S., many are pushing back on what they perceive as an inappropriate influence on public policy by private funders and questioning the power dynamic that enables wealthy private funders to impose their solutions to social and environmental problems without being required to involve the affected communities. Even the pundit world reveals this critique, with the subtitles of recent books speaking volumes: The Elite Charade of Changing the World of Anand Giridharadas’ Winners Take All, and Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better of Rob Reich’s Just Giving.

Globally, the rise of populism, discontent, and illiberal tendencies have led to accusations that philanthropy is being used as a tool to further a political agenda or consolidate power. Moreover, foundations that engage with socially and politically sensitive issues often find themselves targets of campaigns to delegitimize their work, philanthropic intent, and funding sources.

On September 9^th, over 200 funders, foundation professionals, and philanthropic representatives gathered at the Suzanne Dellal Auditorium in Tel Aviv to be part of the growing community of Israeli philanthropists at the 2^nd Israeli Philanthropy Conference.

It was presented by JFN Israel in partnership with Tel Aviv University's Institute for Law and Philanthropy, the Forum of Foundations in Israel, and Committed to Give. (Click here to read a blog post by JFN member Philippe J. Weil about the first Israeli Philanthropy Conference, which was held in 2017.)

The premiere episode of What Gives? The Jewish philanthropy podcast from Jewish Funders Network.

Guest: Lisa Eisen, President of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation's U.S. Jewish Portfolio.

Just days before Israel’s unprecedented second national election this year, former Member of Knesset Yohanan Plesner, president of the non-partisan Israel Democracy Institute, provides a deep dive into the latest trends and issues impacting this historic vote. This presentation features new polling and data presenting insights into what Israelis are thinking as they enter the polling station and the possible scenarios we can expect to see as the results come in.

Yohanan Plesner, president of the non-partisan Israel Democracy Institute, shares his analysis of what's at stake in the imminent election campaign in Israel.

See also: Yohanan's pre-election video briefing >>

Introduction

For the first time ever, Israel is heading for a second national election just months after the conclusion of April's vote. For many Israelis who cherish the democratic values of this country, this election is critical, not so much because of which candidate might end up being prime minister, but because of the possibility of judicial reforms that might soon pass in the Knesset which would limit the Supreme Court's ability to perform crucial oversight over the political system.

How did we get here?

Before detailing what is at stake in this unprecedented political situation, it is important to understand how we got here in the first place.

Preview Jewish Funders Network's new podcast, What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast. Season 1 drops on Thursdays starting September 12. Subscribe now! 

In 2018, Jewish Funders Network created a new initiative: the Center for Family Philanthropy at JFN Israel, the first program in Israel to tackle the distinct issues and opportunities that family philanthropy presents. 

The National Center for Family Philanthropy in the U.S. is a model and has been working with JFN Israel staff as a key partner in this project.

Ethan Davidson, Director of the William Davidson Foundation, shares the ongoing story of his life in music and philanthropy, and how he's struggling with the need to beat his own path while still honoring his father's legacy.

Igal Jusidman, CEO of Keren Daniel, shares his story of learning to see himself not just as a funder, but as a real partner with the organizations he funds.