Talking about Philanthropy at Hebrew University

June 6, 2009

The Center for the Study of Philanthropy of Hebrew University presented its second annual conference on philanthropy on May 26. Over 200 people were in attendance from all sectors of Israeli society with interests in philanthropy. The stately Senate Hall was filled. The two keynote speakers, Joel Fleishman and Peter Frumkin gave thoughtful presentations on American foundations in the policy arena and the tension between private wealth and public purpose, respectively. Fleishman’s remarks were based on his thorough and enlightening study of U.S. foundations. Frumkin’s presentation was based on his highly regarded book, Strategic Giving: The Art and Science of Philanthropy, which is on my Amazon list. What was important and revealing about this conference, however, was not the quality of the remarks by these two prominent American guests. Rather it was the fact of the intellectual and political energy exhibited by this gathering. Four concurrent sessions, tackling fundamental policy questions occurred in the morning: (1) Philanthropists as Policy Makers--Philanthropists Attitudes toward the Government; (2) Social Responsibility in Employment--between Philanthropy and Profitability; (3) Who Wants to Promote Legislation Sustaining Private Philanthropy in Israel?; and, (4) Public Policy Philanthropy—New Research Findings. A plenary From Social Responsibility to Integrated Governance, closed the conference in the afternoon. Each of the panels provided provocative speakers and appropriately probing questions. The issue of the government’s reluctance to establish the mechanisms for independent foundations that even approximate this powerful force in U.S. society was addressed directly, with government ministers in attendance.

From my perspective as an observer of the emerging philanthropic scene in Israel, the overarching lesson of this conference was that the rudiments of an active and potentially creative sector are in place and growing. The traditional attitude toward Israel as the needy recipient of the generosity of world Jewry must give way to a new vision of Israeli’s as equal philanthropic partners to enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide. This insight has major implications for the U.S. Jewish community (or communities) in fundraising and funding allocations as they relate to Israel. I have one criticism that in a way underscores this emerging new role for Israel. An international conference at Hebrew University should provide English materials and translation, not just as a courtesy, but as their own recognition of their responsibility to communicate their ideas and their leadership in the Jewish philanthropic world.