Democracy is under threat globally, presenting urgent challenges for funders and civil society leaders. How can, and should, Jewish funders respond? Hosted by democracy scholar and longtime foundation leader Dr. Tali Yariv-Mashal along with funders and guest experts, this eight-session series will dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in pro-democracy philanthropy.  

Branching out from a popular and well-received workshop at the 2025 JFN International Conference, this series will address a wide range of pro-democracy funding areas from education to politics, activism to communication, and will consider the relationship between Jewish and democratic values in Israel, the United States, and around the globe.

Session 4
Expert Presentation – Political Philanthropy: What Can We Learn from Each Other?
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on political philanthropy and the different ways donors can engage with and support pro-democracy political efforts.  We’ll hear from a group of experienced philanthropists who have long been active in this space, each offering unique insights shaped by personal journeys, family traditions, and cross-continental experience.

Featured Speakers:

• Sir Michael Davis – A longtime political philanthropist and civic leader, Sir Michael will reflect on his personal and professional trajectory, sharing his perspective on political philanthropy during times of democratic stress. He will also speak to the role of the Jewish diaspora in meeting today’s challenges.

• Gideon Stein – Drawing on his family’s multi-generational commitment to political philanthropy, Gideon will discuss how its meaning and expression have evolved across time and geography, and how he approaches it today.

Panel Discussion:
Hosted by Leora Propper (Propper Family Foundation), this panel will explore the role of donors in civic activism today, highlighting different models and motivations.

Participants:

• Dr. Steven Laufer (Aviv Foundation)

• Miki Gitzin (New Israel Fund)

• Tova Dorfman (President, World Zionist Organization)

The session will also include time for peer discussions, offering participants a chance to connect, reflect, and share their own experiences.

While each session can be attended on its own, participants will gain the most insight and value by attending the full series, as each conversation builds on the ideas and themes introduced in earlier sessions.

Session 5: Communication and Democracy 
Tuesday, July 22nd | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
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Session 6: Education and Democracy 
Tuesday, September 9th | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
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Session 7: Research, Development, and Application 
Tuesday, October 21st | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
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Session 8: Supporting Activism in Times of Democratic Backsliding 
Tuesday, November 11th | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
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Session 9: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Crisis of Democracy in Israel 
Tuesday, November 18th | 11:30am - 1:00pm