Adam Milstein: Transforming Jewish Philanthropy in the Post-October 7 Era

October 7, 2023, fundamentally reshaped Jewish community activism following Hamas’ attack on Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives and resulted in hundreds taken hostage. This catastrophic event catalyzed widespread change in Jewish philanthropic practices. Adam Milstein, described as a “Venture Philanthropist,” approaches charitable giving with business-minded principles that offer insights into adapting philanthropy during crisis.

The Awakening: Breaking Cyclical Engagement

Throughout his career, Milstein witnessed recurring patterns in Jewish community involvement—periods of intense activity typically followed by waning engagement. The October 7 attack disrupted this cycle completely.

“For the first time, I’ve observed an unprecedented surge in passion, commitment, and determination,” Milstein wrote in Hadassah Magazine in March 2025. “This renewed vigor is a promising sign for the future of Jewish life both in Israel and in the Diaspora.”

What distinguishes the current situation, according to Milstein, involves two factors: intensity paired with inclusivity. Affluent donors previously limiting contributions to established organizations now actively seek innovative approaches. Simultaneously, younger community members who were previously uninvolved in organized Jewish life are now participating actively in response efforts.

A Methodical Approach to Giving

Milstein established the Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation in 2000 with his wife, Gila. The foundation focuses on maximizing impact through calculated investments in organizations strengthening American values, supporting U.S.-Israel relations, and fighting hatred.

The Foundation builds coalitions that provide Americans with facts and knowledge to advocate and take effective action against radical movements that spread hate, bigotry, and discrimination. It operates on an innovative philanthropic philosophy based on three unique principles: “Active Philanthropy,” “Strategic Force-Multiplication,” and “Philanthropic Synergy.”

Following October 7, Milstein intensified these efforts, recognizing heightened stakes. His approach gained attention as donors sought effective methods to address rising antisemitism and support Israel.

The Impact Forum: Collaborative Funding Innovation

Milstein co-founded the Impact Forum in Los Angeles in 2017, which represents his most significant innovation in post-October 7 philanthropy. This platform connects philanthropists who collectively support nonprofits working toward shared objectives.

“The Impact Forum has seen unprecedented growth since October 7,” Milstein notes in his Hadassah Magazine article. “Young Jews are gathering not just to show solidarity but to take meaningful action.”

The forum addresses a practical disconnect in philanthropy. Wealthy Jewish Americans typically lack time to identify effective smaller nonprofits making substantial impacts. The Impact Forum bridges this gap by connecting donors with organizations while providing structure for collaborative giving that magnifies individual contributions.

The Impact Forum prioritizes concrete action over extended discussion. Participants pool resources to fund solutions rather than merely discussing problems. This practical approach resonates especially during times when many Jews feel compelled to respond to increasing threats.

Connecting Across Generations

Milstein’s contribution to post-October 7 philanthropy includes bridging age divides within Jewish giving. He recognizes complementary strengths: established donors provide financial resources and institutional memory, while younger activists contribute energy, digital fluency, and fresh perspectives.

Through developing cross-generational spaces like the Impact Forum, Milstein ensures Jewish philanthropy benefits from diverse community talents. He particularly focuses on reaching young Jews disconnected from traditional organizations but concerned about antisemitism and Israel’s security.

“Too many young Jews remain glued to their phones, doomsurfing,” Milstein observes in his recent writing. “Now is the time to step up: to get involved, support effective initiatives, and fight for our future.”

By offering tangible engagement opportunities, Milstein transforms anxiety into productive action, essential for maintaining community resilience.

Working Across Political Lines

In the post-October 7 environment, Milstein has emphasized the importance of working across political boundaries. In a December 2024 article for The Jerusalem Post, he urged the Jewish community to be pragmatic and embrace support from wherever it comes.

“The Jewish community should work holistically with common allies left and right of center across the entire spectrum,” Milstein wrote. This pragmatic approach acknowledges that political landscapes change, and alliances should be dictated by shared values rather than tradition or blind loyalty.

This cross-partisan approach has become increasingly important as the Jewish community navigates a complex political environment where traditional alliances have shifted and new coalitions have emerged in response to the events of October 7 and their aftermath.

Forward Movement: Maintaining Progress

As Jewish communities worldwide continue processing October 7’s aftermath, Milstein’s philanthropic approach provides direction for converting crisis response into lasting results. His forward-looking methodology emphasizes key principles: calculated giving rather than purely reactive donations; forming diverse coalitions across political and religious boundaries; balancing immediate needs with long-term infrastructure development; and cultivating emerging philanthropists to ensure continuity.

Despite current challenges, Milstein maintains optimism. “The resilience and determination I have witnessed since October 7 should infuse the Jewish people with hope and optimism for the future,” he writes. “And we must not waste this moment.”

Through personal philanthropy, guiding fellow donors, and establishing collaborative platforms like the Impact Forum, Adam Milstein helps ensure the Jewish community’s response to October 7 develops into a sustainable transformation of Jewish philanthropy with impact spanning generations.