Partnership-Based Giving to Strengthen Israel
The High Holidays are traditionally a time when Israeli non-profit organizations reach out to their local and international supporters and try to garner financial support for the New Year. These campaigns are important, actually, crucial, for the continued existence of many organizations, but I’ve seen my American Jewish friends simply get tired of receiving multiple emails and social media messages from organizations collecting. So tired that they simply hit “delete.”
Israel’s non-profits need financial support, but there’s a limit to how much money people can give. Which is why partnership-based giving, as opposed to (or in addition to!) philanthropy, is an excellent, effective way for American Jews to help Israel, both in the non-profit and for-profit spheres.
Partnership-based giving through skills, mentorship, and networks builds more than programs or budgets. It builds connection. It creates lasting bridges between American Jews and Israelis, reminding us that our relationship isn’t defined only by fundraising campaigns or crises, but by the shared responsibility of shaping the Jewish future together.
Three Ways American Jews Can Actively Partner with Israel
Expertise
Israel is home to thousands of nonprofits in various spheres, including health, education, welfare, and coexistence. It’s also a fast-growing hub of technological innovation. Both nonprofits and startups often need advice in areas like law, finance and operations. A few hours of consultation can make a major difference.
I know Israelis who light up when they realize that people abroad not only care, but are willing to roll up their sleeves and consult on a grant request, think through a growth strategy, or polish an English-language pitch deck. In many cases, this kind of hands-on support can be even more transformative than a donation, as it provides Israelis with the tools to achieve continued growth and success.
Mentorship
A donation may cover a short-term need, but active mentorship develops skills that will create leaders for decades. Mentorship is especially important for young Israelis just out of the army or in school. As people just starting out, they typically need more than just advice. They need someone in their corner, encouraging them to keep going, opening their eyes to new possibilities, and reminding them they belong in the room.
If you’re a professional in your field, you have something to offer to those trying to secure a foothold. Ongoing mentorship can build confidence among young Israelis, knowing they have supporters abroad who genuinely believe in their potential. And for the mentors, these relationships are often equally rewarding, a reminder of the creativity, resilience, and optimism that define Israel at its best.
Networks
Alongside expertise and knowledge, networking is another overlooked form of partnership-based giving. A simple introduction to an investor, policymaker, or corporate partner can accelerate an initiative in ways no donation could replicate.
I’ve seen Israelis who feel cut off from opportunity, not for lack of talent, but for lack of access. That’s where Jews in America have a unique role. Our personal and professional connections can serve as bridges, creating opportunities that would otherwise remain closed. This is especially true in fields like technology, medicine, and the arts, where global recognition is respected, and giving someone visibility can be life-changing.
Where to Start
If you’re wondering how to find Israelis or organizations to connect with, there are plenty of entry points:
- Groups like Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) are excellent resources and have a broad range of connections in Israel.
- A simple Google search will reveal multiple Israeli nonprofits that welcome remote volunteers. Even joining a webinar, a professional exchange, or a networking event hosted by these organizations can open doors for meaningful collaboration.
- Most American Jews know someone in Israel; reach out to them to see what they recommend. After all, they have boots on the ground and can offer targeted suggestions that larger organizations might not have access to.
A Broader Vision of Partnership
Israelis are builders and innovators by nature. The beauty of skills and network-based giving is that it shifts support from charity to partnership. When American Jews share our knowledge, we become collaborators in Israel’s ongoing story of building and resilience.
Each of us carries experiences, insights, and relationships that we can use to better Israel and when we do this, we strengthen not only Israel but also the bonds of the global Jewish community.
Financial giving will always remain a cornerstone of Jewish generosity, and Israel certainly needs it. But we can’t overlook the equally vital contributions that come from our heads and hearts. Expertise, mentorship, and opening doors are resources that can be shared freely and continually, without the need to check with our accountants or bank.
By seeking to actively partner with Israeli organizations and businesses, we’re not just patching holes in the roof, we’re helping design a foundation for a stronger, more connected Jewish future.