In October 2023, I (M.P.) asked for suggestions for donating to help Israelis and Palestinians.I am happy to share this comprehensive answer from Miranda on Utica Street.See below this list, for Miranda’s message.To jump directly to the list of organizations, go here:
https://www.impact.upenn.edu/israel-gaza/
The eight organizations from that web page above are these:
1. Israel-Palestine Crisis Relief Fund
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/israel-palestine-crisis-relief-fund/
2. HIAS
https://hias.org/emergency-response-israel/
3. ICRC
https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/middle-east/israel-and-occupied-territories
4. International Medical Corps
https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/updates/israel-gaza-crisis/
5. Doctors Without Borders
https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
6. NATAL
https://www.natal.org.il/en/
7. NATAN
https://natanrelief.org/
8. Save the Children
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/west-bank-gaza#statement
===========Message From Miranda:Thank you again, Michael, for inviting us to suggest humanitarian aid organizations in Israel / Gaza / West Bank.
There are many worthy organizations. I circulated a list of several last week, recommended by a synagogue I respect. And though I believe those organizations are worthy, I don’t have direct experience with them. So I wanted to also offer more authoritative suggestions here below.
Where are donations effective?
University of Pennsylvania studies this question. Their Center for High Impact Philathropy has for the last 15 years been researching effective giving in a variety of issue areas.
Re Israel / Gaza, they recommend: “The following organizations were sourced from our professional contacts, people on the ground, colleagues with ties to the region, and trusted news outlets. All are expert first responders, operating in the region and with ties to smaller, local groups.”
I think that last line is particularly important. The charities they’ve selected are long-time experts respected by a wide range of people, including on the ground. You’ve likely heard of some of them (Doctors without Borders, Save the Children, HIAS). Importantly, they also have ties to local groups; in other words, they serve as skillful knowledgeable umbrella organizations that direct resources to the local groups they think are doing effective work. I find that reassuring (since I’d rather not choose among smaller groups myself — so many seem worthy).
Helping Now and Helping Later
Center for High Impact Philathropy advises us to give now, but to also:
“Look beyond immediate needs: We are in the first phase of crisis response when the focus is on immediate relief…Over time, the next phases of crisis recovery will include rebuilding infrastructure, risk mitigation, and preparedness. Philanthropic support during those later phases can have sustained impact.”
How to help in the long run?
The first org they list (the Global Giving Israel-Palestine Fund) seems like a prime candidate. I plan to give.
And to add my own two cents (albeit not authoritative): to help in the long run, I’ll also be giving to coexistence groups: Palestinian and Israeli partners who are doing their darndest to lay the foundation for peace. One group (respected by the people I most respect) is called Standing Together. To learn more:
–check out this recent NYT article highlighting their work.–Or this praise from columnist Peter Beinart. –a recent presentation goes into greater depth here (starting at minute 9).
May all those affected by this crisis (in Israel / Gaza / West Bank and abroad) be safe. And in the long-run, may they (and we here) build towards safety and dignity for all.
Miranda(Utica St.)