8/5/06

Jewish Humanitarian Support of Israel

Did you know that the US supplies Israel with what works out to $13.7 million of foreign aid per DAY? And that 30% of the TOTAL amount of the US foreign aid budget is earmarked for Israel?

Additionally, the US also gives special privileges to Americans who donate to Israel. The ability of Americans to make what amounts to tax deductible contributions to a foreign government (Israel) does not exist for any other country.

Related to the latter, here’s an excerpt of an article from The Washington Post:
An umbrella organization of North American Jewish charities said Wednesday that it will seek to raise a minimum of $300 million in emergency humanitarian funds for Israel this year, one of the largest short-term goals in its history.

Experts on Jewish philanthropy predicted that the campaign would receive broad support, following a well-established pattern of giving by U.S. Jews in times of crisis for the Jewish state.

The fund drive drew immediate criticism from at least one prominent rabbi who called on American Jews to raise money for the reconstruction of Lebanon, not just Israel.

Howard Rieger, president and chief executive of United Jewish Communities, formerly known as the United Jewish Appeal, said the $300 million figure is "a floor, not a ceiling," and the amount raised probably "will grow beyond that."

No comments: