Effect of Gaza Giving Raises Concerns for Jewish Charities

Emergency campaigns by U.S. Jewish groups to aid Israelis affected by the Gaza war prompted a flood of donations and raised worries among some philanthropic leaders that the crisis derailed giving strategies and diverted money from other causes, The Jewish Week writes.

Jewish institutions and organizations raised tens of millions of dollars in the seven weeks of fighting, supporting medical and other direct aid for those in areas hit hard by Hamas rocket fire as well as programs some charity officials said should be the Israeli government’s domain, like shelter maintenance and warning systems.

“There is a major disconnect between the emotional stress caused by a crisis and the calm reasoning needed for a wise philanthropic strategy,” said Jeffrey Solomon, president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. “At times of crisis, the money starts coming forth, yet the needs of those in crisis are not immediately known.”