Facing the wave of antisemitism: Israeli aid workers fight for their name

A new multi-year initiative aims to strengthen the participation of Israeli and Jewish aid and development professionals in international conferences, against the backdrop of antisemitism and professional isolation since October 7. The first delegation of 22 professionals from seven countries attended the AidEx conference in Geneva. Surveys found that 85% of respondents want a support network and 60% of Israeli organizations reported a decline in fundraising.

A new multi-year initiative, led by OLAM in partnership with SID Israel and Nura Global Innovation Lab, aims to strengthen the participation of Israeli and Jewish aid and development professionals in international conferences, against the backdrop of antisemitism and professional isolation since October 7. The effort launched with a delegation of 22 professionals from seven countries, more than half from Israel, to the AidEx conference in Geneva. Research commissioned by OLAM found that 85% of respondents expressed a desire to join a professional support network. A survey by SID Israel among 20 Israeli organizations revealed that 60% reported a decline in fundraising since the war, and about 40% reported a decrease in international collaborations. Unlike other countries, Israel will not be represented at the conference this year by the Foreign Ministry or MASHAV. Israel's outgoing ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, said the best response to accusations against Israel is to show its work for others in the world.