Working in Jewish non-profits has shown me that our global Jewish community is incredibly resilient but constantly adapting to new challenges. In recent years, I’ve seen how vital it is for Jewish non-profits to connect to something larger—to a story or identity that binds us all together. And in many ways, Israel can serve as that unifying thread. Israel is more than a physical place; it’s a source of inspiration, identity, and advocacy that fuels Jewish communities around the world.
From my perspective, Israeli advocacy isn’t just about defending a country on the world stage—it’s a powerful tool that Jewish non-profits can use to strengthen their missions, engage their communities, and inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders. When we harness the values, accomplishments, and spirit of Israel, we can empower Jewish non-profits to be more impactful and connected, no matter where they’re based.
Why Israeli Advocacy Matters to Jewish Non-Profits
In the Jewish non-profit sector, one of the biggest challenges is creating a sense of relevance and connection to Jewish identity, especially for younger generations. We live in a world where people have endless choices and are constantly bombarded with messages about who they are or should be. For many young Jews, connecting with traditional Jewish institutions feels outdated, or they may not see how Israel plays a role in their modern Jewish identity. Yet, we know from history and experience that when people feel deeply connected to Israel, it becomes a source of pride, identity, and continuity.
Advocacy for Israel doesn’t just mean defending it against criticism; it means highlighting its many contributions to the world, its values, and its culture. By incorporating Israeli advocacy into their missions, Jewish non-profits can give people a sense of belonging to something far greater than themselves. This shared pride can build a bridge, connecting Jewish communities from New York to Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires.
Strengthening Community through Shared Values
Jewish non-profits serve incredibly diverse communities, and they often face the challenge of uniting people with different backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities. Israeli advocacy can be a unifying force that bridges these divides, as it speaks to values that many Jews share, regardless of where they live. These values include resilience, innovation, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
For example, when Jewish non-profits highlight Israel’s contributions to medical research or renewable energy, they’re showcasing values of healing and sustainability that resonate universally. Israel’s advancements in water technology, agriculture, and environmental sustainability are a testament to its commitment to improving lives around the world. These stories can resonate deeply with Jewish communities that care about making a positive impact and encourage people to see Israel as part of their own identity. By promoting these accomplishments, Jewish non-profits can engage people around issues that go beyond politics, connecting them through a shared sense of purpose and pride.
Bringing Israeli Innovation to Jewish Non-Profits
Israel is known as the “Start-Up Nation” for a reason: despite its small size and limited natural resources, it has become a global leader in technology and innovation. Israeli companies and entrepreneurs are constantly finding creative solutions to complex problems. For Jewish non-profits, there’s a valuable lesson here about adapting to challenges with resourcefulness and flexibility. These same qualities can help non-profits be more effective, agile, and impactful in their own communities.
Non-profits that partner with Israeli organizations or adopt Israeli-inspired approaches can benefit from this spirit of innovation. Whether it’s using new technologies to reach younger audiences or finding efficient ways to provide services, learning from Israeli innovation can be a game-changer. Jewish non-profits can even collaborate directly with Israeli organizations to create programs that blend cultural, technological, and educational components, making their services more engaging and accessible.
Telling Israel’s Story in a Way that Inspires
When it comes to advocacy, one of the most powerful tools we have is storytelling. People connect to stories—stories of courage, resilience, and transformation. Israeli advocacy gives Jewish non-profits a chance to tell stories that people might not hear otherwise. Rather than focusing solely on conflicts or politics, these organizations can highlight the human stories from Israel that inspire pride and connection.
Imagine a program that shares the story of an Israeli doctor who saved lives after a natural disaster in another country, or an Israeli organization working on environmental solutions that benefit communities worldwide. These are stories that reflect Jewish values and remind us that Israel’s identity is rooted in more than just the land itself; it’s about its contributions to the world. When Jewish non-profits incorporate these stories into their programs, they give their members a deeper understanding of what it means to support Israel and to be part of a global Jewish community.
Building Bridges Between Jewish Communities
One of the most meaningful ways Israeli advocacy can empower Jewish non-profits is by building bridges between Jewish communities worldwide. Israeli organizations have extensive experience working across diverse communities and can bring those insights to Jewish non-profits around the world. By fostering partnerships between Israeli groups and Jewish non-profits abroad, we create networks of support, knowledge sharing, and solidarity that strengthen everyone involved.
Imagine a Jewish non-profit in Cleveland partnering with an organization in Tel Aviv to address issues of anti-Semitism or develop educational programs for teens. Not only does this create a powerful support network, but it also fosters a sense of unity across borders. By working together on common goals, Jewish non-profits can create a sense of shared purpose, connecting people across different regions and backgrounds.
A Unified Approach for a Stronger Future
Empowering Jewish non-profits with Israeli advocacy isn’t just about helping these organizations defend Israel or support Jewish identity—it’s about building a more cohesive, resilient Jewish community worldwide. In a time when Jewish communities face external pressures and internal divisions, connecting to Israel’s story, values, and achievements can bring us together.
As someone who grew up in Israel and now works in Jewish non-profits in the U.S., I see the immense potential in uniting these worlds. By integrating Israeli advocacy into their work, Jewish non-profits can engage their communities in a way that is both meaningful and enduring. When we tell Israel’s story with pride and purpose, we give people the tools to see themselves as part of something bigger, fostering a shared identity that has the power to strengthen Jewish communities everywhere.