Founded in 2020 in Nazareth, Qudra (“Capability” in Arabic) is a first network of Arab philanthropists in Israel, comprised of prominent business leaders united by a shared vision: fostering organized giving to maximize the impact of philanthropy on Arab communities. By connecting donors with civil society organizations, Qudra aims to enhance the efficacy of charitable efforts, build societal resilience, and drive sustainable change. Since its establishment, the network grew from 6 donors in 2020 to around 50 in 2024.
On November 11, Qudra held its first annual conference “Cooperation is Our Resilience” at the Cultural Center in Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Strategic giving within the Arab community is still emerging but holds great potential, deeply rooted in values of community, religion, and tradition. The event brought together donors, civil society leaders, and experts to explore innovative approaches to philanthropy and cross-sector collaboration while addressing the unique challenges facing Arab society.
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Since the outbreak of the war, Qudra’s network has increased efforts to address critical needs in Arab communities, focusing on resilience and emergency aid. This included fundraising for shelters in unrecognized villages, supplying essential resources, and coordinating with local and international organizations to maximize the impact of donations.
The network also launched an Emergency Matching Grants Program, in collaboration with the Social Venture Fund (SVF) and other philanthropic entities. This initiative matched 16 Arab donors’ contributions to 13 projects focusing on psychological resilience, shared living, youth engagement, care for elderly and disabled, and humanitarian aid.
Qudra’s First Conference: “Cooperation is Our Resilience”
On November 11, Qudra held its first annual conference at the Cultural Center in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, marking a milestone in its mission to cultivate a culture of organized giving. The event, titled “Cooperation is Our Resilience,” brought together donors, civil society leaders, and experts to explore innovative approaches to philanthropy and cross-sector collaboration.
The conference centered on four themes—Innovation, Impact, Resilience, and Collaboration—and aimed to:
The conference sessions featured a diverse range of topics and expert-led discussions, complemented by the participation of notable speakers and guests. Dr. Rana Eseed explored the motivations driving philanthropy in Arab communities, highlighting the importance of localizing giving and reducing reliance on external resources. Raneen Saleh led a session on managing collaborations and partnerships, emphasizing trust-building and long-term planning in multi-sector initiatives. Fadi Elobrah, Co-Founder of TALENTEAM, discussed the transition from organized giving to impact investments, focusing on sustainable social investments, strategies for financing social projects, and opportunities for long-term positive change. Khouloud Ayuti, manager of the Boustan Foundation, examined how innovation and technology can enhance corporate social responsibility and amplify the impact of giving, providing insights into digital tools for sustainable social change. Eyad Barghuthy moderated a panel on transitioning from philanthropy to societal resilience, presenting case studies on youth empowerment, public space restoration, and emergency preparedness. Additional featured speakers included Ameer Bisharat, CEO of The National Committee of Arab Local Councils in Israel; Dr. Safa Abu Rabia, Program Director for the Arab Community at Yad Hanadiv; Ahmad Mwassi, Program Officer for Arab Society at the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation; Dr. Nasreen Hadad Haj-Yahya, co-founder of NAS Research and Consulting; and others.
Priority Areas for Philanthropy in Arab society
Through participant discussions and surveys, the conference identified priority areas for further funders collaboration:
Currently, the members are expanding their strategy to address the evolving needs of Arab society amid the war, focusing on fostering collaboration among network members, civil society organizations, and foundations.
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