Jewish social action for the wider world

A concern for social justice is central to being Jewish. Pears Foundation supports Jewish and non-Jewish people and projects that place social action and responsibility at the heart of their work.

The Foundation’s flagship project is JHub, an incubator for Jewish social action and innovation. We also work with charities who address issues of global justice.

JHub

Our research into Jewish social action in the UK found that the field was under-resourced. In response we created JHub. Established in 2008, JHub addresses this gap in resources by providing a structured and supportive environment that includes office space, professional development, mentoring, networking and micro grants.

The Hub offers both in-house residencies and a membership scheme that creates a vibrant community of like-minded social activists. JHub members work on a variety of causes, including human rights, refugees and asylum issues, green campaigns, sustainable development and volunteering in the UK and abroad.

The Hub also plays an active role in international networks promoting Jewish social innovation.

Arab citizens of Israel

One member of JHub is the UK Task Force on Issues Facing Arab Citizens of Israel. Pears Foundation co-established the Task Force, a coalition which aims to engage and educate British Jews on issues relating to Israel’s 1.2 million Arab citizens.

There is increasing division between Israel’s Jewish and Arab citizens and it is vital for Jews outside Israel to become more aware of these issues and play a constructive role.

Task Force activities include briefings, education and visits to Arab communities in Israel.

In addition to our work with the Task Force, the Foundation invests in a number of organisations that are working to strengthen equality on the ground, including the New Israel Fund and Hand in Hand.

International development and advocacy

At Pears Foundation we express our values through substantial investment in British-based development NGOs, including Plan International in Honduras and ActionAid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Our partnership and support for AfriKids has helped them to grow from a start-up to an award-winning development charity.

We also invest in Jewish organisations, such as Tzedek’s Jewish Global Citizenship Project and Tevel B’tzedek, which are engaging an increasing number of Jewish people in global issues, such as sustainable development and extreme poverty.