Using a representative random sample of 614 Jewish and Arab Israeli adults (18+) we asked questions about attitudes of Israelis towards philanthropy, and about their giving behaviors, motivations for giving, organ donations, volunteering and social trust. We find that Israeli society is generous, with more than three-quarters of respondents making a philanthropic gift (cash and/ or in kind), nearly one-third volunteering their time in the last 12 months, and over one-quarter are registered organ donors. Israeli donors support different types of organizations with their prosocial behaviors. The three most popular beneficiaries are social welfare, health, and religious organizations. Most respondents give spontaneously. They give to beggars on the street, when a person comes to their door, or when passing a tzedakah box. Most respondents report what can be viewed as impure altruistic motivations for their philanthropic giving, simultaneously wanting to help and fulfill their “moral obligation,” while still enjoying the feeling of “warm glow” associated with giving. Finally, we find that generalized trust is positively correlated with giving.
This research was conducted by Prof. Noah D. Drezner (Teachers College, Columbia University), Dr. Itay Greenspan (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Dr. Hagai Katz (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev), and Galia Feit (ILP).