In the latest episode of What Gives? – The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast, JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny speaks with Eugene Kandel, former Chair of Israel’s National Economic Council, chairman of the Board of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and founder and chairman of the Israel Strategic Futures Institute. Over decades of advising Israeli governments and institutions, Eugene has become one of the leading voices thinking strategically about Israel’s political, economic, and social future.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Andrés and Eugene explore the deep internal divisions shaping Israeli society, the tension between Israel’s Jewish and democratic identities, and the demographic and political forces reshaping the country’s trajectory. They reflect on why polarization has become so dangerous, what October 7 revealed about Israel’s vulnerabilities, and why Jews around the world should be paying close attention to what comes next.

Take a listen.

In a recent interview with the Jerusalem Post, Ronny Douek, co-chair of the upcoming JFN International Conference, reflects on how Israeli philanthropy is evolving in the wake of October 7. He speaks about the growing role of civil society, the need for strategic coordination, and the long-term responsibility of funders during periods of national strain.

These are some of the questions we will be grappling with together at this year’s conference. We are proud to have Ronny helping to shape the conversation.

Read the full article here.

JFN International Conference attendees are invited to celebrate Shabbat together as a community in San Diego starting Friday evening, March 13. Join an intimate group for an experience that provides rich content and creates space for deeper conversations about our shared heritage.

Learn more in the Conference Attendee Hub.

The JFN International Conference is designed to foster meaningful connections among JFN members. If you are attending and interested in meeting others who share your philanthropic interests, whether through focused discussion or informal time over coffee or a meal, our team can help facilitate those introductions. Complete this form and the JFN Concierge team will connect you with fellow members for substantive, peer-to-peer conversations in the spirit of JFN’s pitch-free environment.

FROM THE FIELD

Four years after Russia invaded Ukraine, philanthropy is dwindling, even as needs grow
Jay Deitcher, eJewish Philanthropy

Tax Breaks Could Nudge Cautious Donors to Give More
Rasheeda Childress, Chronicle of Philanthropy

JFNA’s Eric Fingerhut stresses Jewish education in first ‘State of the Jewish Union’ address
Haley Cohen, Inside Philanthropy

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