Elite Rivalry: Government and Philanthropy in Israel

Philanthropies and governments are two separate entities that distribute resources. Each sector uses a different set of criteria in deciding what to promote. Philanthropy is usually aimed toward doing good deeds, such as fighting poverty, helping the underprivileged, and other local or global problems. The government is a system that prioritizes the allocation of public resources. However, when it comes to private endeavors, governments would force private people to make donations or decide in which direction to channel these resources. Nevertheless, philanthropic charity in Israel is a phenomenon that raises issues of power and control between philanthropies and the government regarding the motives for giving and the goals of the enterprises supported. Hence, it is interesting to question the effects of the donations, the motivations for giving, and the influence it has on the Israeli society.