Funders Supported Israel in Crisis. Now We Need to Help Build a Better Future.

"As Israel’s reality changes, our grantmaking strategies and processes need to evolve.”

Nearly six months after the horrors of October 7, Israel is pivoting from addressing an immediate crisis to focusing on long-term recovery. This moment is critical for Israel’s future, and funders have a vital role to play in supporting effective and sustainable solutions.

In an op-ed for eJewish Philanthropy, Lisa Eisen, Schusterman Co-President, and Rachel Garbow Monroe, President and CEO of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, draw from years of building deep partnerships with grantee organizations across Israeli society to offer three ways funders can help shape a more secure, just and inclusive future for Israel today, including:

• Elevating and investing in women’s leadership
• Taking time to listen and learn from communities across Israel; and
• Embracing flexibility to address needs as they emerge.

As Lisa and Rachel share, "While we don’t yet know the full impact of this crisis, we do know that contributing to rebuilding and recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. We are in the early stages of what may be one of modern Israel’s most pivotal chapters. Fortunately, we have the invincible spirit of the Israeli people to inspire and guide us."