A proposed executive order reportedly under consideration by President Donald Trump could prohibit American nonprofit organizations from distributing funds to causes outside the United States — a move that may have serious consequences for the many tzedakos in Eretz Yisroel that rely heavily on donations from across the Atlantic.
According to the NY Post, who first reported about the proposed action, the order would target 501(c)(3) organizations — the designation under U.S. tax law that grants nonprofits tax-exempt status — and bar them from issuing charitable grants abroad. While the order has not yet been finalized, discussions are said to be ongoing at the highest levels of the Trump administration.
Should the executive order move forward, the impact could be far-reaching. Currently, thousands of American nonprofits, including many religious organizations, serve as conduits for charitable giving to institutions and individuals in Eretz Yisroel — including yeshivos, kollelim, orphanages, hospitals, and families in need. The new restriction would effectively sever this vital lifeline, unless alternate channels are found.
Under present law, American nonprofits can support foreign charitable work so long as the funds serve a clearly defined charitable purpose. These provisions have long enabled U.S. donors to support Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel while maintaining eligibility for tax deductions. Eliminating that framework would present a giant problem for both the givers and the receivers.
While the administration is framing the initiative as part of a broader effort to “prioritize American interests,” sources close to the White House suggested the move also aims to cut off funds from prominent liberal-leaning organizations with global reach — such as the Gates Foundation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the Open Society Foundations — all of which have poured billions into progressive causes worldwide.
Still, the ramifications would not be limited to large foundations. Religious nonprofits of all stripes — including many that are deeply embedded in Orthodox Jewish communal life — would be equally affected. In 2023, for instance, aid group World Vision International gave tens of millions to relief efforts around the world, and Jewish organizations supporting Yidden in Eretz Yisroel regularly distribute vast sums to mosdos haTorah, families in crisis, and struggling communities and individuals.
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22 Responses
Another reason for Frum Jews to vote eretz hakodash that if enough votes come in the yeshivas would get two billion dollars. Trump is not stopping anyone from sending a donation to a yeshiva.
Only 1 Solution- 52nd state, after Canada. no more Tzionim
I don’t oppose this. Halacha requires us to focus tzedaka on our poor before anyone else’s. We have plenty of Jewish families in need here. We have plenty of yeshivis and mosdos here. The money should stay to help those in need here like the Halacha requires.
Trump does not give tzedakah and does not understand the concept. I’m sure he would say only losers give away their funds for no reason.
“America First” isolationism would suggest not letting Americans get a tax deduction from sending money abroad (though from what I see in the article, there would be restrictions on making non-deductible contributions, so that anyone who doesn’t itemize wouldn’t be affected).
Note that, as an example, for someone who does itemize (only about 10% do, but they are the richest, and assume a tax bracket of 50% if they are in a high tax state, as most frum Jews are), for every $1000 they donate, their taxes are reduced by $500 – regardless if it is for poor Yidden in Eretz Yisrael, or the help Hamas buy new weapons in order to reduce the number of Yidden in Eretz Yisrael.
Heimisha guy:
It always was and remains strictly forbidden to join the heretical WZO, regardless of how much money you think yeshivos will receive.
‘Heimishe guy’, even in a best case scenario, the yeshivas are not going to get anywhere near that amount of money from the WZO. The case for voting is mainly damage control to reduce funding for Reform and other anti-religious causes. If even that will work is questionable. BTW, the absolute worst thing that could happen to the yeshivas is if the WZO would give them unlimited money, vedai lameivin…
Not going to happen. This EO could potentially stop the Red Cross from collecting funds to provide assistance to victims of natural disasters overseas etc. There are easier ways to keep funds from going to 501(c)(3) NGOs from funneling money to terrorist organizations
Trump Trump Trump was supposed to be the answer all Frum Jews thought would bring Mashiach.
Now it’s not looking so glorious! He’s only been in office for 3 of the 48 months of his term. 45 yet to go!
Yes Mr president. Please do it. And we shouldn’t send a dime to isreal. And lets make sure all Israelis go to work.
I think from the American first perspective it’s a sound plan. But as a Jew I know how much this would hurt our brothers in Israel so I am opposed on their behalf.
However, Trump does make a lot of sense. Why should people get tax deductions and be able to give the money to charities worldwide? If the government is losing the taxes at the very least the money should benefit American citizens. We do know some of the money goes to support terrorism as well as illegitimate charities , money laundering , and fraud.
This is to prevent George Soros
Besalel:
While you are correct that generally Aniyei Ircha Kodmim, IIRC there a specific provision for Aniyei Eretz Yisroel as well.
I could be misremembering.
It doesn’t sound like the EO would prohibit Americans from sending money to tzedaka in EY, it would just prevent that money from being sent through American non-profits, which means Americans wouldn’t be able to write it off on their taxes. That’s not a good thing, but it hopefully “wrecking ball” is an overstatement.
Heimashe yid
“The yeshivos would get 2 billion”
If that’s true why 2 congresses ago when the reform ruled di they receive a total of 20 million dollars over 5 years?
How stupid can ppl be…
I’m not sure he can issue such an executive order. IRC Section 501(c)(3) and the regulations thereunder are what governs what is a charitable entity – and while the IRS does have a role in determining if an entity’s purpose and activities are “charitable”, I don’t think such an executive order would be sustained by the courts.
an Israeli Yid
I am ok with this executive order. Maybe yeshivish people will now vote in WZO elections. Stay tuned.
To BMG
The pot of money has increased to two billion dollars. There are at least twenty different groups running in the election. All types from lefty to reform to gays to Frum of all sorts.
Trump is doing a great move. Most of the money going around the world trying to destabilize morality is coming from George Soros. Who do you think supports the anti government and anti orthodox protests in Israel by the lefty’s. The money comes from Soros as well as the reform movement. They spend millions trying to destroy Torah Judaism. By clipping their wings we could cut out all their anti Chareidi control. If you want to give tzedokah you can support yeshivas. You don’t need to try and take it off your taxes. Just give it direct. You can carry ten thousand cash into Israel with every family member flying and give it to try kollel of your choice. Trump does not care. It’s the evil reform and Soros types he is after.
If one method is closed, Yidden can find a legal way to give tzedaka.
If you voted in an election between a well meaning opportunist who learns how things work AFTER he wreaks havoc, AND an opportunist who empowers foreign mercenaries, how can you NOT vote in the World Zionist elections?
And also… If you don’t get a tax deduction, you generate MORE zechusim
And keep davening for Yidden and for normal weather. If we get complacent by good news, and stop caring about people dying young, fires, and wars… Hashem reminds us.
Let moshiach come CALMLY at the right time! Wait for him every day.
WZO is total kefira and no frum Yid is allowed to vote on it based on Daas Torah guidance. Our holy askanim will find another way to help Yidden.
if this stops money going to terrorists like hamas and fatah, it’s a great idea. as for jewish causes, losing tax-exempt status won’t make any difference, because we’re all giving l’shem shamayim, right, and not for the tax receipt.