Philanthropy and Politics

Abstract

1. Annotated Commentary The newspaper article discusses the interaction between philanthropy and government in Israel, focusing on its implications for policy making (P.1). The paper uses the example of the Jewish Diaspora, utilizing the impact on Israeli Prime Ministers individuals such as Arkadi Gaydamak and Morris Talansky have historically had. The piece is regionally useful but not generalizable or particularly in depth. 2. What is the central question/puzzle/problem identified in the article/book/blog post? The central problem that the authors identify is the undue influence that Israel philanthropists have on government policy making. 3. What is the central answer/finding/conclusion/added value? The authors conclude with identifying additional legislative restrictions, such as banning foreign donors in election campaigns, to mitigate philanthro-policy making. 4. What are the central concepts and associated definitions (if not defined, please note)? NA 5. What methods are used? This is a journalistic piece, and no obvious methods are used. 6. What empirical examples/cases/datasets/data are used? Several examples of prior newspaper articles on historical philanthro-policy making (P.1,2) are given. 7. How widely do the conclusions generalize, i.e. what might the limitations of the study? Scope, conditions? The conclusions drawn are from the Israeli complex, and are more of an opinion piece than a comprehensive journal piece. However, the concept of philanthropy and policy making needing dividers does have a broader scope. 8. Other important or interesting details? The article claims that the sitting Israeli PM accepted envelopes of cash (P.1), which is fairly scandalous.