|
|
November 19, 1999/10 Kislev 5760, Vol. 52, No.12
Additional groups embrace ad's call for civil discourse
TAMI BICKLEY
Staff Writer
Jewish organizations in the United States and Canada that apply for private grants had better be on their best behavior.
Earlier this month, an advertisement appeared in 35 Jewish newspapers across North America, paid for by 11 grant-making organizations, stating that they will no longer fund Jewish organizations that don't treat each other with civility. Since the ad appeared, a number of other foundations and philanthropies have contacted the new coalition to ask if they could join in the efforts and if the ad - with their names included - could run a second time.
No decision has been reached as to whether the ad will re-appear, or about the word will be spread about the others now calling for civility, says Morry Weiss, head of the Sapir-stein-Stone-Weiss Foundation, one of the original 11 participating foundations, and CEO of American Greeting Cards in Cleveland.
In addition to positive feedback from foundations, says Weiss, foundation grant recipients "have also applauded our efforts."
The original ad calls for Jews to engage in "open, healthy debate that preserves and enhances the dignity of all segments of the Jewish people." The ad states that the signing foundations and philanthropists wish to end "irresponsible rhetoric (that) negatively impacts the unity of the Jewish people."
One way of decreasing such negativity, the ad says, is by disqualifying for funding institutions or individuals that engage in uncivil practices. Finger pointing in the media, anger-filled debate and slander no longer will be tolerated, say the grant-making foundations.
In order for Jewish organizations to be considered for grant awards, they must act civilly toward one another, which means turning expressions of their differences from shouting matches into open discussions and "healthy debate."
Joining in the ad were the Andrea and Charles Bronf-man Philanthropies, J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation Inc., the Dobkin Family Foundation, the Jesselson Family Foundation, Jewish Life Network: A Judy and Michael Steinhardt Foundation, the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the Sapirstein-Stone-Weiss Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Synagogue Transformation and Renewal (STAR), and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Inc.
"We would like to see ... open conversation about who we are and our beliefs," explains Lynn Schusterman of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. "Civility to me is people being able to sit down without shouting, to show respect for one another and their (beliefs) and talk."
Perhaps the biggest point of contention in the Jewish community springs from denominational differences, Jewish leaders say.
"I have witnessed that," says Becca Hornstein, executive director for Council for Jews with Special Needs in Phoenix. "I have certainly received comments that were disrespectful (to) my denominational beliefs."
It is such behavior, she says, that warrants a request for civility.
Mark Charendoff, vice president of the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, points to the Talmud as a basis for the civility standard.
"(Historically), Jews have benefited greatly from debate and diversity of voices," Charendoff says. "The Talmud includes minority opinions because diversity and debate breed creativity. But what we don't want to see is when those voices turn into ... delegitimizing (other denominations) or writing (off) whole groups of Jewish people just because they hold a certain opinion."
Each of the foundations and philanthropies will rely heavily on news media sources (quotes in stories and advertisements) to assess whether applicants are complying with the request for civility, explains Charendoff.
If funding is withheld from an organization that does not behave in what the philanthropies deem a civil manner, explains Charendoff, the people that organization serves will ultimately suffer. Reality will sting the organization when it recognizes what it is sacrificing when it publicly criticizes others.
"Every individual in this country has freedom of choice," he says. "All we're saying is that there are consequences, now (including) an economic consequence."
Weiss says he does not want Jewish organizations to feel muzzled or get the impression that philanthropists are trying to "set the tone" for what it means to be a good Jew. Instead, he says the foundations and philanthropies are choosing to be "supportive of organizations that enhance Jewish life."
Civility has been a concern and criteria for funding at the Sapirstein-Stone-Weiss Foundation for at least three years, says Weiss. After the foundation shared its criteria, other foundations and philanthropies decided to jump on the bandwagon and use civility as funding criteria, he says.
"Basically, (the foundations and philanthropies) got together ... and said 'enough is enough,' " says Schusterman. "The issue of 'Who is a Jew?' (as a subject of heated discourse) has become prevalent (enough) to concern all of us."
"Somebody has to stand up and say (incivility) is not acceptable," says Art Paikowsky, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
The federation receives funding from both the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and the Righteous Persons Foundation.
"The name-calling and implications have really gotten out of hand," Paikowsky says. "The way Jewish organizations are treating each other right now is pretty appalling.
"No one is saying there shouldn't be discussion or debate. We're not going to be monolithic, we never have been. ... But we should be able to respect each other and listen. The foundations are saying that if (beneficiaries) want to continue to (receive money), they had better get their acts together. It's a wake-up call."
Rabbi Barton Lee of Hillel at Arizona State University says that civility has always been the standard for behavior at Hillel. He agrees that the request for civility is necessary.
|
