Why American Jews Must Step Up
As an Israeli living in New York for many years, I’ve seen the deep connection many American Jews feel towards Israel. They love Israel. They instinctively know that, despite the many dangers it faces, that Israel is the designated homeland of the Jews, a place where a Jew can hold his head up high.
But while many American Jews feel this deep connection to the Jewish homeland, they don’t necessarily know how to turn this connection into action. They desire to help Israel, especially during times of trouble, but don’t know what to do.
Philanthropy as a Core Value of American Businessmen
Since American Jews aren’t physically in Israel, the natural way they seek to help is by sending money. This is important! Historically, after every near-cataclysmic crisis, American money pours into Israel — which it needs and is grateful to receive it. And then the outpouring stops, and the donations dwindle to a trickle. What then?
Philanthropy must become a consistent core value among successful American Jewish business leaders. Giving shouldn’t be a reaction, an afterthought, a bonus, or a tax write-off. It must be viewed as an ongoing obligation — because supporting Israel ultimately supports the Jewish people everywhere.
Take a look at what just a handful of influential American Jews accomplished with consistent, driven support:
Casino magnate, Sheldon Adelson OBM, and his wife Miriam donated hundreds of millions in support of Birthright Israel, Friends of the IDF, Yad VaShem, and more. After Sheldon’s death in 2021, Miriam continued her support of many Jewish and global causes, notably the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), an American-based organization that speaks out on behalf of Israel and against antisemitism.
Marc Rowan, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is a major supporter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC), an organization dedicated to strengthening the bond between Israeli and American Jewish communities. Michael Steinhardt, American billionaire hedge fund manager, co-founded Taglit-Birthright and donated over $125 million to Jewish causes around the world.
What’s important to note about these Jewish businessmen is that they didn’t wait for a crisis to act — and that’s exactly what we need now: consistent, visionary philanthropy that plants seeds for the future. And of course, these are only a few — there are many more wealthy American Jews who have stepped up to the plate to support Israel.
But we need more, and we need consistency.
Why American Businessmen Should Support Israel — Now, More Than Ever
- Israel strengthens Jewish unity
While Jews might be spread across the globe, Israel is the common thread uniting them. Regardless of religious observance, politics, or cultural differences, a thriving Israel reinforces international Jewish ties, deepens our connection to our heritage, and ensures that wherever we live, we are part of something larger than ourselves.
- Antisemitism in Israel begets antisemitism everywhere
When Jews in Israel suffer from antisemitism, the same typically follows suit abroad. Europe has long been home to antisemitism, which overflows unexpectedly at times. America, while considered to be more “enlightened” than Europe in terms of Jew hatred, also has flare-ups from time to time. Following the Hamas-Israel War, antisemitism in the US skyrocketed — which is why American businessmen need to pour resources into strengthening Israel both on the battlefield and in the field of hasbara, public relations.
- Israel is a source of Jewish pride and identity
Israel is more than a piece of land — it is a promoter of Jewish identity and pride. Jews of all denominations look to Israel and feel a strong sense of pride and belonging — for some, their only or main connection to Judaism is through Israel. They recognize that it is the eternal homeland of the Jews and are proud to be a part of our nation.
- A strong Israel ensures Jewish continuity
According to statistics from the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, nearly 70% of Jews in America and 50% in Europe are married to non-Jews. In Israel, the intermarriage rate is less than 5%. A thriving Israel ensures the literal continuity of the Jewish people, giving younger generations a living link to their heritage and identity.
- If not us, who?
Israel is the responsibility of the Jewish people, period. Who else can we rely on to fund Jewish schools, rebuild Israeli communities, or ensure the continuation of future Jewish generations? If you are a Jewish business leader in America — if you have influence, wealth, or a voice that others respect — then you have a role to play.
As an Israeli who came to the US and has been fortunate enough to achieve the “American dream,” I believe deeply that those who have been given the opportunity to thrive — in business, in leadership, in life — have a moral obligation to give back. To invest in our people. To strengthen our institutions. To fight for our future.
That’s why I believe that businessmen in the US have a unique responsibility — and opportunity — to act on the behalf of the Jewish people.
Because the truth is simple: no one else will do this for us. And we have too much at stake to sit this one out.
