By Sarah Goldman
September 17, 2024
What this is about
Jewish charities and organizations are making significant positive impacts in Israel and worldwide. While many people want to contribute, identifying the right organization among so many can be challenging. To streamline this, we’ve assembled a list of the top 10 Jewish organizations for 2024. These entities are leading the charge in creating a positive impact and embodying the principles of tikkun olam.
Our Top Choice: Keep On Riding
Keep On Riding initiates positive change using a straightforward method: providing bicycles. These bikes are given to children evacuated from their homes due to the war following October 7. Their lives, having been upended, receive a semblance of normalcy through this program. Supporting Keep On Riding goes beyond bicycles, helping these children access critical services, schools, and jobs, thus accelerating their recovery from displacement and trauma.
Things to Consider Before Donating to an Organization
Are They Trustworthy and Transparent?
Performing the mitzvah of tzedakah requires confirming an organization’s credibility. Opt for transparent entities that openly share their missions, programs, and financial reports, including endorsements or certifications from reputable sources.
Efficiency and Impact
Evaluate how effectively organizations use donations. Lower administrative costs indicate higher impact on communities. Look into past projects to verify if the donations have yielded substantial positive changes.
Our Ten Favorite Organizations
1. Keep On Riding
Keep On Riding offers bikes to children, teens, and adults evacuated due to the October 7th, 2023, attack in Israel. By repairing used bikes, purchasing new ones, and supporting whole families, they aim to reinstate a sense of normalcy and freedom to the displaced heartwarming initiative is driven by Adcore’s generous contributions.
2. Friends of the IDF
Dedicated to supporting the well-being of Israeli soldiers, Friends of the IDF provides educational scholarships, financial aid, and recreational activities enriching the lives of soldiers and their families during and post-service.
3. United Jewish Appeal Federation
The United Jewish Appeal Federation upholds Jewish communities globally with programs targeting vulnerable populations, Jewish education, and community strength. Their transparency ensures each donation drives noticeable improvement locally and globally for Jewish communities.
4. Jewish National Fund
The Jewish National Fund focuses on environmental stewardship, afforestation, water conservation, and community development in the Negev, aiming to sustainably enhance Israel’s landscape.
5. Chai Lifeline
Chai Lifeline offers support to families dealing with life-threatening illnesses through emotional, financial, and practical aid, ensuring these families don’t face hardships alone.
6. Israel Friends
Israel Friends recognizes the aftermath of the October 7th terror attack, offering rapid critical aid including medical supplies and protective equipment. Their entrepreneurial structure ensures quick adaptability and maximum aid delivery effectiveness.
7. American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA)
Ensuring Magen David Adom’s emergency aid capabilities, AFMDA funds crucial resources including ambulances, medical supplies, ensuring Israel benefits from efficient disaster response and medical services.
8. Ach Gadol
Ach Gadol supports Israel’s lone soldiers through mentorship, emotional aid, and navigational support, aided by over 500 volunteers ensuring lone soldiers are never alone.
9. StandWithUs
Dedicated to supporting Israel through education and combating antisemitism, StandWithUs provides tools and programs fostering understanding and countering misinformation about Israel worldwide.
10. Mizrachi
Mizrachi bridges worldwide Jewish communities with Israeli values via educational initiatives, leadership development, and community engagement, promoting a stronger Jewish identity.
Why It Matters
These organizations stand at the forefront in creating positive global change, empowering communities, and preserving Jewish heritage. Whether delivering bicycles to displaced Israeli children or supporting emergency healthcare services, they provide necessary aid. Now, it’s your turn to choose which charity aligns with your goals of tikkun olam.
This article was written in cooperation with Adcore
This story was first published on jpost.com.