While tensions rise between Canada and the U.S., Montreal’s Stephen Bronfman is focusing on a different battle: climate change. An environmental enthusiast and philanthropist, Bronfman manages his family’s investments and is part of the Birthright organization started by his father. He’s concerned about Donald Trump’s environmental policies, which threaten to undo protections and slow down sustainable initiatives.
Recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis, Bronfman is calling on wealthy Jewish donors to take action. This month, he announced the launch of the Jewish Climate Trust, aimed at funding climate solutions in North America and Israel, tapping into Israel’s reputation as a leader in eco-technology.
In a recent conversation, Bronfman shared insights about the trust and its potential impact on both environmental efforts and the Jewish community. He feels deeply about utilizing the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, which means “repairing the world,” as a foundation for addressing climate change.
Bronfman’s vision stems from his family’s legacy of philanthropy. He reflected on his 60th birthday, thinking about how to further his lifelong passion for the environment. With nearly 30 years of experience on the board of the David Suzuki Foundation, he knows firsthand the commitment required to tackle climate issues. During discussions at Jewish Funders Network conferences, he noticed that, while many Jewish organizations excel in various areas, there was a significant gap in environmental action. This spurred him into action.
The Jewish Climate Trust started with ten partners, raising an initial $18 million over three years. Bronfman believes this initiative resonates because it presents a trustworthy, community-focused avenue for addressing climate concerns. In a world where many Jewish families feel alienated by larger organizations, the Jewish Climate Trust offers a welcoming space for collaboration.
For Bronfman, the trust not only addresses climate issues but also seeks to foster relationships between Israel and neighboring countries. He sees climate action as a bridge for building peace, drawing on Israel’s technological advancements in sustainability. He believes that working towards climate solutions can create more than just environmental benefits—it can also encourage unity among nations.
Despite current political challenges, Bronfman remains hopeful. He recognizes a disconnect between the urgency of climate action and political will, especially under Trump’s administration. However, he sees potential in the Jewish community’s unique position to lead in environmental stewardship. By aligning efforts in Israel and the diaspora, the trust aims to demonstrate Jewish contributions to global issues like climate change.
Bronfman’s trust will support projects that make Jewish community buildings more environmentally friendly. His previous collaboration with organizations like Adamah demonstrates that practical changes, such as improving infrastructure, can have significant impacts. His focus is on creating systems that promote sustainability and encouraging habit changes within communities.
Looking ahead, Bronfman envisions expanding the trust’s reach, similar to how Birthright has grown over the years. He believes the time is right for a concerted effort to combat climate change, especially as new generations take the helm of funding organizations. There’s a strong desire among younger leaders to engage in climate action, but they often lack direction on how to make meaningful contributions.
By fostering collaboration among Jewish organizations and communities, the Jewish Climate Trust can inspire hope and motivation for a healthier planet. The message is clear: it’s time to take action and work together for the environment, using shared values as a foundation. Through this initiative, Bronfman aims to shine a light on the positive impact the Jewish community can have on global challenges.
Check out this related article: How Europe’s Defense Spending Challenges Climate Change Efforts: Navigating the Budget Dilemma
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