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Chapter IV: Epilogue What We Have Learned Activity on Two Axes In retrospect, we realize that we could not have effected such significant change without simultaneous intensive activity on the axes of dynamic solutions and awareness. In our area of activity, it is extremely important to offer options tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries, but it is also necessary to change awareness and bring about social change, with emphasis on getting rid of invisible and overt stigmas. We found that a combination of traditional and new media was vital, both as a driver of change in the public discourse and as a catalyst for addressing needs and devising solutions relevant to the target populations. Because decision makers attribute great importance to media reports, placing the subject on the public agenda enhanced our ability to exert an influence and to create the desired change. Values Our years of philanthropic activity have been based on strong, solid values. We have encountered many opportunities, complex challenges and situations in which we had to make decisions, minor and fateful alike. Reliance on the Foundation’s value system was a highly significant anchor for our philanthropic work and, thus, our social and moral compass delineated the work process for us, from determining our vision and goals, to devising the strategy and allocating resources and, ultimately, to designing our main activities. The integration of Jewish values, such as “Every person was created in God’s image” and mutual responsibility with universal values such as social justice, rights and equality made us who we are and helped us establish our unique brand. Activism and Philanthropy We believe that the traditional working assumption that the role of philanthropy is to support social action organizations behind the scenes, while encouraging and helping them to promote social change, is not enough. As we see it, philanthropy should effect decisive change, and it must use the various tools available to achieve the desired results. Despite the technological progress that has occurred in the twenty-first century, social disparities still exist and are, in fact, becoming wider. In addition to financial capital, philanthropy offers symbolic and public capital and multi-sector ties that greatly enhance its impact. Philanthropy has a moral obligation and social responsibility to use its abilities and resources to its full potential to achieve its mission. Philanthropies can no longer sit by and act from a distance to promote their goals. They must get down
