UJA-Federation’s $1 Million Gaza Aid Donation Ignites Debate

The UJA-Federation of New York has stirred significant debate within the Jewish community by announcing a donation of $1 million to IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian organization. This contribution aims to provide essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, to civilians in the Gaza Strip. In a letter to the community, UJA’s CEO, Eric Goldstein, emphasized the moral duty to assist Palestinian civilians, stating that “all human life is sacred,” despite acknowledging Hamas’s responsibility for the ongoing conflict.

This move has been met with a wave of criticism from various segments of the Jewish community. Critics argue that the donation strays from the UJA’s core mission, which focuses on caring for Jews globally and responding to crises affecting New Yorkers. Prominent voices, such as Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of the Jewish News Syndicate, expressed concerns that the donation could be perceived as an acknowledgment of wrongdoing by Israel, suggesting that Jewish funds should be redirected solely to support Israeli causes until the conflict resolves.

Others, like Ronn Torossian, chairman of Betar Worldwide, condemned the UJA for aiding those who supported the October 7 massacre. In a pointed op-ed in Israel National News, Torossian accused UJA leaders of being “self-hating Jews.” The backlash continued across social media, with political commentator Pamela Geller labeling the donation as “sick, pathetic, disgraceful,” while Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large at Tablet Magazine, sarcastically critiqued the organization’s decision.

In response to the growing opposition, the UJA offered further clarification about its decision, framing it as aligned with Israel’s strategy. A spokeswoman for the UJA stated that IsraAID’s efforts to deliver aid directly to Palestinian civilians—while ensuring that resources do not reach Hamas—aim to counteract narratives suggesting that Israel is deliberately starving the Gazan population. The organization maintains that responsible humanitarian aid is integral to Israel’s military and diplomatic strategy, aiming to secure essential international support and prevent Hamas from controlling aid distribution.

The backdrop of this donation is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where reports of starvation and distressing images of malnourished children have increased pressure on Israel to facilitate more aid into the region. In late July, Israel implemented a temporary ceasefire during the day to allow additional aid deliveries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the deprivation faced by Palestinians but reiterated that Hamas bears the responsibility for civilian suffering, emphasizing that the group obstructs aid efforts.

IsraAID, Israel’s largest non-governmental humanitarian organization, has recently expanded its operations in Gaza. Initially, it served as a liaison between Israeli officials and international aid organizations, ensuring that supplies did not fall into Hamas’s hands. Currently, the organization collaborates with IDF-vetted local partners to distribute aid more directly. Yotam Polizer, president of IsraAID, has maintained a pragmatic approach, arguing that supporting Palestinian civilians does not conflict with being “pro-Israel.”

Before commencing operations in Gaza, Polizer consulted with Israeli communities near the border, which have been significantly affected by the conflict. He reported no negative feedback from these discussions, indicating a general understanding that humanitarian efforts would not compromise Israel’s security.

The debate surrounding the UJA’s donation highlights the complexities of humanitarian aid in conflict zones, especially regarding perceptions of support for certain groups. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the discussions within the Jewish community reflect broader concerns about identity, responsibility, and the implications of aid in politically charged environments.