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lavendersparkleIt's time to give some money to charity again so I'm having a think about who to give it to. Previously I've tended to give money to Oxfam, as it seems like the charity to give money to if you want to help the neediest people in the most cost effective way. The think that's given me pause on this approach was a session I was in at Limmud last Christmas where mention of Oxfam led to the kind of reaction of tuts which signals that an organisation is seen as 'against us'. Looking at it I can't pin point a lot that Oxfam has done to deserve this branding. It has criticised a lot of stuff Israel has done and to by honest I don't agree with a lot of the things it's criticised. It's not as anti-Israel as a lot of Christian humanitarian NGOs. Oxfam Belgium advocated a boycott of Israeli products with a pretty pretty nasty poster. I'm not sure whether that should influence my giving to Oxfam UK. They do the NGO thing criticising Israel lots because it's easy and Israel isn't going to boot them out for doing it and it goes down well with certain sections of the population who might donate to them. Is that enough to put me off donating to them? On the other hand Oxfam isn't the only charity help the poorest so if I'm feeling uneasy maybe I should go with one which definitely doesn't get involved with Israel.
One which impressed me was Microloan Foundation. I like this for a number of reasons. The first is that it operates to improve things in Malawi, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. Microfinance appeals to me, both as an economist and as a Jew, as I think helping someone get to the point where they can make their own living is one of the highest forms of charity in halacha. Most of all it appeals to me as a feminist because enabling women to earn and control their own economic livelihoods can empower them in every aspect of their lives. Helping to increase women's economic power also tends to improve the health and welfare of children.
Alec is keen on Book Aid International. Both of these charities got good reviews on a 'which charities are good value for money' website.
One which impressed me was Microloan Foundation. I like this for a number of reasons. The first is that it operates to improve things in Malawi, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. Microfinance appeals to me, both as an economist and as a Jew, as I think helping someone get to the point where they can make their own living is one of the highest forms of charity in halacha. Most of all it appeals to me as a feminist because enabling women to earn and control their own economic livelihoods can empower them in every aspect of their lives. Helping to increase women's economic power also tends to improve the health and welfare of children.
Alec is keen on Book Aid International. Both of these charities got good reviews on a 'which charities are good value for money' website.