In the days following the October 7 attacks, the grief across Israel was matched only by the urgency to respond.
While national institutions scrambled to regain footing, a quieter, parallel front opened around the world – from Toronto to Santiago, Melbourne to Paris – as Jewish communities and supporters of Israel mobilized with startling speed.
Their collective response, channeled through organizations like Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal, marked a defining chapter in global Jewish philanthropy.
“It was unbelievable,” said Sam Grundwerg, the organization’s World Chairman, in a telephone interview earlier this week. “We saw an immediate stepping up to the plate by our campaigns around the world. It was generosity – not just of the wallet, but of the heart.”
Ironically, the year had started with pessimism. “2023, up until October 7, was looking like a pretty poor year,” Grundwerg recalled. “The internal division in Israel – protests, political paralysis – had caused real hesitation among donors. Not because they were taking sides, but because it created this general unease.”
Then came the atrocities of October 7, and with them, an overnight shift. “Suddenly, all that apprehension disappeared. We saw the purest form of solidarity.”
Keren Hayesod, which operates campaigns in over 45 countries, saw its fundraising surge beyond expectations. From a typical annual average of $180 million, the organization raised over $220m. in 2023, with most of the boost occurring in the final quarter.
“We were heading for a big drop. Instead, we had a 25% increase,” said Grundwerg. “And what’s more, 2024 brought in over $200 million as well. That’s not just a spike – it’s a statement of commitment.”
"Much of the funding goes to our strategic partner the Jewish Agency and other national projects like hospitals, universities, other institutions and programs and NGOs - much of it donor designated," Grundwerg said.
One of the lesser-told stories of the crisis was how Israel’s local governments became primary responders. With national agencies overwhelmed, municipalities from Sderot to Kiryat Shmona were left to care for displaced residents, organize emergency shelters, and tend to traumatized communities.
Here, Keren Hayesod stepped in – not as an outsider, but as a long-time partner.
“We’ve worked for decades with local municipalities and regional councils – so we didn’t have to start building relationships in a crisis,” Grundwerg explained. “When things fell apart, we were already there.”
SINCE THE war began, more than $18.5m. has been funneled directly to local authorities – $13.5m. to the South, where the attacks first struck, and over $5m. to the North, where tens of thousands were later evacuated.
“We moved fast. Municipal leaders told us, frankly, they didn’t even know the full extent of their needs – they just knew they were overwhelmed. So in those initial weeks, we provided flexible, immediate funding – like oxygen,” he said.
Despite the scale of the donations, Grundwerg is adamant about the role of philanthropy. “We are not here to replace the government or let it off the hook,” he said. “We’re here to complement, to reinforce, to close the gaps.”
“The state rebuilds homes. We help rebuild communities,” he added. “Resilience centers, trauma clinics, daycare facilities, community halls – that’s where our impact is most profound.”
When asked for a concrete example, Grundwerg turned to trauma services in the Eshkol region. “We had campaigns that wanted to focus on mental health. And Eshkol, which was hit so directly, had pressing needs – not just for children but for adults as well. We’re proud of the work there."
Unlike some global funders, Keren Hayesod doesn’t wire blank checks. “Generally, funds are tied to specific projects, with monitoring and reporting,” Grundwerg explained. “We have a professional team that follows up – tracking milestones, ensuring impact, updating donors.”
Flexibility was crucial in the beginning
Still, flexibility was crucial in the early weeks. “We understood this was not business as usual. So while we usually earmark funds for defined purposes, we also knew municipalities needed freedom to breathe.”
This dual approach – structured yet adaptive – allowed local governments to respond fast without losing accountability. And it fostered a deeper bond with communities in crisis.
“We stay in touch constantly,” Grundwerg said. “Even today, we’re still talking with mayors in the South and North. We bring our donors there so they can see the impact and understand what’s still missing.”
One of the most ambitious initiatives born from the crisis is Yisrael Mitgayeset (“Israel Rising”) – a multi-sector alliance bridging government ministries, the business world, and philanthropic partners like Keren Hayesod.
“It’s a unique partnership,” said Grundwerg. “We signed a memorandum with the Finance Ministry before Passover. Together, we’re working to leverage resources – sometimes tripling every shekel through coordinated investment.”
“There’s a real chance here to build a model – one where the state, civil society, and private donors work in sync. Not overlapping, not waiting. Acting,” Grundwerg said.
What makes this moment especially poignant for Grundwerg is how global donors have remained engaged, even as Jewish communities abroad face their own battles – from antisemitism to security concerns.
“It’s been hard abroad, too. Jewish schools under threat, protests, rising hate,” he said. “We were worried communities would pull back, focus inward. But they didn’t.”
“Despite their own challenges, they’ve stepped up, time and again. No donor fatigue. Just continued love and support for Israel. That’s been truly inspiring.”
As Israel faces a drawn-out conflict and an uncertain recovery timeline, organizations like Keren Hayesod are now shifting to long-term planning – with an emphasis on communal resilience, education, and economic rehabilitation.
“We’re in year three now,” Grundwerg noted. “2023, 2024, and now 2025. And our goal is the same: help Israel’s communities not just survive – but thrive.”