Spring Break
Donations not stalled even with Carter visit
by Lital Shair
News | 3/13/07
Posted online at 10:50 PM EST on 3/12/07
/ Last updated at 5:51 AM EST on 3/12/07
Despite reports to the contrary, University President Jehuda Reinharz's recent fundraising attempts have not been stifled by controversy surrounding former President Jimmy Carter's visit, his executive assistant said.
On his most recent trip, Reinharz raised "many millions of dollars," receiving positive receptions from both group and individual donors, said John Hose, Reinharz's assistant.
Hose downplayed a report last month in The Jewish Week that quoted Stuart Eizenstat as saying, "There are evidently a fair number of donors who have indicated they will withhold contributions."
Hose said that, since Carter's high-profile visit drew criticism from right-leaning Jewish leaders, there is "no change in the amount of donations of which I am aware."
A statement the University released last month to The Jewish Advocate said: "It is too early to determine whether Jimmy Carter's appearance will have an impact on our fundraising efforts.
One administrator had earlier expressed some concern over the complaints the University was receiving regarding Carter.
At a faculty meeting at the end of the month, Nancy Winship, the University's head fundraiser, said the e-mails from concerned donors "kept coming and coming."
"The Middle East is just this trigger of emotions for our alumni and for our friends," she told professors during the meeting. "For the most part, the donors who come to us come through the Jewish door."
Some donors have posed questions to Reinharz about Carter's visit, Hose acknowledged. But, he said, Reinharz "routinely receives a very positive and enthusiastic response" on fundraising trips.
"The issue is not being pro-Israel, but [Brandeis is] bringing and affiliating with people who are anti-Israel," Morton Klein, the president of the Zionist Organization of America, said, according to The Jewish Advocate. "It's more imperative on Brandeis to be careful who they hire, honor and affiliate with because they have more credibility as a Jewish-oriented institution," he said. Klein said he used to donate to Brandeis but now feels alienated by the University.
On his most recent trip, Reinharz raised "many millions of dollars," receiving positive receptions from both group and individual donors, said John Hose, Reinharz's assistant.
Hose downplayed a report last month in The Jewish Week that quoted Stuart Eizenstat as saying, "There are evidently a fair number of donors who have indicated they will withhold contributions."
Hose said that, since Carter's high-profile visit drew criticism from right-leaning Jewish leaders, there is "no change in the amount of donations of which I am aware."
A statement the University released last month to The Jewish Advocate said: "It is too early to determine whether Jimmy Carter's appearance will have an impact on our fundraising efforts.
One administrator had earlier expressed some concern over the complaints the University was receiving regarding Carter.
At a faculty meeting at the end of the month, Nancy Winship, the University's head fundraiser, said the e-mails from concerned donors "kept coming and coming."
"The Middle East is just this trigger of emotions for our alumni and for our friends," she told professors during the meeting. "For the most part, the donors who come to us come through the Jewish door."
Some donors have posed questions to Reinharz about Carter's visit, Hose acknowledged. But, he said, Reinharz "routinely receives a very positive and enthusiastic response" on fundraising trips.
"The issue is not being pro-Israel, but [Brandeis is] bringing and affiliating with people who are anti-Israel," Morton Klein, the president of the Zionist Organization of America, said, according to The Jewish Advocate. "It's more imperative on Brandeis to be careful who they hire, honor and affiliate with because they have more credibility as a Jewish-oriented institution," he said. Klein said he used to donate to Brandeis but now feels alienated by the University.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Martin Zelnik '57
posted 3/13/07 @ 8:47 AM EST
While I have gone on record objecting directly to Brandeis Pres Reinharz about certain policies (The Three Chapels neglect), actions (Remval of the student art work), and handling of speakers (The Carter/Dershowitz non debate and restrictions) I shall continue to financially support Brandeis University as being the enlightened, free speech, academic freedom oriented university that it is. (Continued…)
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