From LA to Lviv to Linksfield, Grundwerg connects Jewish communities

Israel’s relationship with Jewish communities around the world is now “more of a two-way street”, says Sam Grundwerg, the world chairperson of Keren Hayesod United Israel Appeal (Israel’s fundraising arm), on a visit to South Africa.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keren Hayesod established an emergency loan fund for Jewish communal organisations, which was used by some institutions in South Africa,” he told the SA Jewish Report. “Keren Hayesod also provides physical security such as cameras and secure doors and gates for Jewish buildings.”

Grundwerg has been planning this trip to South Africa for some time. “My visit to South Africa in March 2020 was the first trip I had to postpone due to the pandemic,” he said.

Grundwerg grew up in Miami Beach, Florida, and made aliya aged 17 on his own in 1990. He became a lone soldier “before it was fashionable”, returned to the United States, studied for an MBA, and qualified and practised as a real-estate lawyer. He went back to Israel, and joined the World Jewish Congress, an umbrella body for Jewish communities across the globe.

Being posted as the Israeli consul general in Los Angeles from 2016 to 2018 was a great honour, but it wasn’t all glitz and glamour. “It wasn’t red-carpet balls every night,” he chuckles. “I was asked by then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to focus on Hollywood.” He was responsible for bringing United States (US) late night talk-show host Conan O’Brien on his successful trip to Israel. He also organised a big bash for Israel’s 70th anniversary at Universal Studios.

But he said the 2016 election of Donald Trump split the country and the American Jewish community in two. “Half the population was in shock. The other half was rejoicing.”

Grundwerg pointed to many positive things Trump did for Israel, including pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal; stopping payments to Palestinians who rewarded the families of suicide bombers (“pay to slay”); recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving the US embassy there; affirming Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights; and the Abraham Accords, leading to peace with four Muslim-majority countries.

Reflecting on his role at Keren Hayesod, he said Israel had four “national institutions” with special status – the World Zionist Congress (founded in 1897); Keren Kayemet L’Yisrael (the Jewish National Fund, to purchase land, founded in 1901); Keren Hayesod (a fundraising arm, founded in 1920); and the Sochnut (the Jewish Agency, founded in 1929). Uniquely, these institutions sit around the table with Israel’s cabinet and have a say in the country’s direction.

Keren Hayesod focuses on raising funds for aliya, disadvantaged communities in Israel, and making connections with diaspora Jewish communities. It’s active in 45 countries and runs 60 campaigns.

But why does Israel need a fundraising body in 2022? Its economy is much healthier than those in many diaspora communities. “Yes, it’s true,” Grundwerg said. “Israel after 74 years is much stronger economically, diplomatically, and in terms of defence and security. The Ukraine war reinforced for me just how relevant these national institutions remain today.

“Jewish people had stopped thinking of Israel as a place of refuge. We had a scenario where people had to up and leave because of a terrible war. It’s our obligation to be there to help every Jew who wants or needs to come to Israel. Lack of resources can never be an excuse.”

Grundwerg has been to Poland twice since February, and entered Ukraine, where Israel handed over a field hospital to the Kyiv government.

The relationship with Russia is complex, he said. “We share a border with Iran – it’s called Syria,” alluding to both militaries being active in the war-torn country. “At the same time, we have to be on the right side of history, and we have spoken out about the invasion of Ukraine. We’ve decided not to provide military equipment to Ukraine, but focus on humanitarian assistance. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s efforts to mediate didn’t bear fruit. We also cannot forget that Russia still has a very large Jewish population.”

He said Israel aimed to bring about 5 000 olim from Ethiopia to Israel in Operation Tzur Yisrael (Rock of Israel) by the end of 2022. It has reached half of that target already. “We’re reuniting families after 20 or 30 years. It’s amazing to see the scenes when these planes arrive at Ben Gurion Airport.”

Grundwerg is a major in the Israel Defense Forces, and volunteers as a casualty officer. “It’s my job to give families bad news. Why do I do it? To show that Jewish people are always there for one another. Mutual responsibility isn’t just a slogan.

“In my short trip so far, I have been impressed with how strong and cohesive the South African Jewish community is,” he said. He visited King David Linksfield, and was heartened by the connection the students had to Israel. “The reality is that the community is shrinking and the government has a complex relationship with Israel.” He said he was hopeful of better ties when the African National Congress no longer ruled on its own as its electoral support plummeted.

“I admire what you’ve built here to preserve a strong Jewish identity and connection to Israel. I want the community to know that while we garner resources for Israel, we’re also here for you.”