Leaders today face the immense challenge of decisive action amid radical uncertainty, particularly since October 7th, when the unthinkable happened and threw us into a new world of lost bearing and open-ended questions. Israeli civil society, philanthropy, and nonprofits swiftly addressed urgent needs, from medical supplies to hostage advocacy. 

However, Israel’s long-term recovery from this unparalleled destruction demands significant resources and collaboration. This crisis has exposed deep-seated issues in governance, healthcare, economy, education, and shared society. The aim is not mere recovery, but building a stronger, more resilient Israel through comprehensive reforms and strategic philanthropic involvement. Amidst uncertainty, planning for an unknown future is complex. Should preparations consider a swift war resolution or a prolonged regional conflict? Will government responses align with social needs, and can current social cohesion persist post-crisis? To navigate this, future scenarios, a proven approach, are being developed by JFN and PollyLabs, an Israeli-American think tank and venture studio. These scenarios are narratives, not predictions, designed to dismantle uncertainties and guide decision-making with clarity.

Over the past months, JFN member working groups have collaborated to develop a comprehensive perspective on the potential future landscapes in four critical areas: mental health, economy, education, and shared society.

The report presented here is not a policy paper or a sector strategy document; instead, it provides a proposed framework for funders to integrate into their strategic planning and a set of recommendations developed by the working group members—experienced funders deeply knowledgeable in the areas discussed with the support from Subject Matter Experts. This framework and its recommendations are intended to guide funders in making informed decisions, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the current environment with precision and foresight.

This resource was crafted through a collaborative effort with JFN members and team members, across multiple intensive sessions. We extend our profound gratitude to all those who dedicated countless hours to rich discussions, to the experts who generously shared their insights to challenge and refine our ideas, and to the individuals involved in editing, designing, and presenting this work. For a comprehensive list of contributors, please see the end of the report.

Philanthropy has a unique and important role to play in catalyzing recovery efforts and trailblazing the path. rebuilding better. We urge everyone involved in post-crisis planning to adopt this future-oriented approach. Though these times are somber, envisioning and working towards a different future offers optimism. Structured future thinking and collective action are vital for navigating uncertainties and shaping better futures. This endeavor aligns with the Jewish and Zionist ethos of reclaiming agency and shaping destiny, irrespective of historical challenges.

Final Sector Reports

Economy | Education | Mental Health | Shared Society