Why Not Make Day School Free for American Jews?

Jan. 22 2025

As Jack Wertheimer documented in his November essay, American Jews—already a group distinguished by its high levels of charitable giving—demonstrated extraordinary generosity in donating money to Israel following the October 7 attacks. In addition to contributions that went directly to Israel, there have also been various efforts to combat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel propaganda. But have these efforts done any good?

An even better question might be: what are the most effective ways to use charitable donations to preserve American Jewry? Will Eastman has an idea:

Jewish education has long been recognized as a cornerstone of Jewish identity-building, fostering deep affiliations and connections to the Jewish faith, culture, and the state of Israel. Yet in the U.S., only about 20 percent of Jewish school-age children attend day schools.

A primary barrier is cost. Jewish day schools are often prohibitively expensive, deterring families before they even consider enrollment—and for non-Orthodox families, the challenge is especially acute because they are less accustomed to the high costs of Jewish living and see public school as the default. While these children stand to benefit the most in terms of strengthening Jewish identity, financial constraints often lead them to choose public or secular private schools.

In the UK, [by contrast], where government subsidies support private education, 66 percent of Jewish children attend Jewish schools. . . . In Australia, 55 percent of Jewish children are enrolled in Jewish schools; in South Africa, that number jumps to 75 percent; and in Mexico, the figure soars to 95 percent.

Why not, Eastman, asks, make day school free for all American Jews? He makes the case that it’s far from a pipe dream.

Read more at eJewish Philanthropy

More about: American Jewry, Day schools, Jewish education, Philanthropy

Kuwait Should Be the Next Country to Make Peace with Israel

Feb. 13 2025

Like his predecessor, Donald Trump seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia. But there are other Arab nations that might consider taking such a step. Ahmad Charai points to Kuwait—home to the Middle East’s largest U.S. army base and desperately in need of economic reform—as a good candidate. Kuwaitis haven’t forgiven Palestinians for supporting Saddam Hussein during his 1990 invasion, but their country has been more rhetorically hostile to Israel than its Gulf neighbors:

The Abraham Accords have reshaped Middle Eastern diplomacy. . . . Kuwait, however, remains hesitant due to internal political resistance. While full normalization may not be immediately feasible, the United States should encourage Kuwait to take gradual steps toward engagement, emphasizing how participation in regional cooperation does not equate to abandoning its historical positions.

Kuwait could use its influence to push for peace in the Middle East through diplomatic channels opened by engagement rather than isolation. The economic benefits of joining the broader framework of the Abraham Accords are overwhelming. Israel’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and water management presents valuable opportunities for Kuwait to enhance its infrastructure. Trade and investment flows would diversify the economy, providing new markets and business partnerships.

Kuwaiti youth, who are increasingly looking for opportunities beyond the public sector, could benefit from collaboration with advanced industries, fostering job creation and entrepreneurial growth. The UAE and Bahrain have already demonstrated how normalization with Israel can drive economic expansion while maintaining their respective geopolitical identities.

Read more at Jerusalem Strategic Tribune

More about: Abraham Accords, Kuwait