Arnie in the News – Draiman Consulting

Tzedakah Expert, and Authored Articles
(many other articles, interviews, etc. are further down the page)

My article, The Unplanned Artist: The Journey of Albert Levi about this great guy, great soldier turned artist! In the Jewish Link August 2024
Ophra Shoshtari, curator, puts up an incredible art exhibit in Ariel, about victories during wartime. Read my review, published in Israel Seen, Israel Daily News, and linked on X (twitter!). June 2024
Corporate Philanthropy works both ways – not only is it good for the recipients to get funding, it is also good for the businesses to get your patronage because of their tzedakah work! Read the article about corporate philanthropy, written by Jamie Berger and Emmie Skydell with help from me!. June 2024
STEM for those kids who never get a chance otherwise. The Jaffa Institute has mobile vans for Science, Engineering, Computers, and more! Read all about it here in the Jewish Link (NY-NJ)! May 2024
Ophra Shoshtari does it again! A great Mitzvah hero, she created an art project for kids during the Israel Hamas war in Gaza, and I had the privilege to write about it! In the Jerusalem Post Magazine, January 2024
Should Jews be donating to universities and colleges in the USA? (Hint: about 150 universities and colleges have more than $1,000,000,000 – that’s a billion dollars – in endowment funds. Cash. Not being used.) Co-written with Jonathan Feldstein, in the Jerusalem Post, November 2023
And Part Two about donating to universities, in Yahoo News and NorthJersey.com about Rutgers and others – nice quote! Click to read the pdf version of the article
My thoughts about how the world/Israel has changed since the October 7 Palestinian Hamas terrorist savagery: “The New, Not-So-Normal Israel” In the Jewish Link (NY-NJ), November 2023
My article about being ever so careful about where you donate: in the Jerusalem Post, October 27, 2023
My write-up about the families from Sderot at the Ramada Hotel -crazy stories: in the Jewish Link, October 2023
How bad are some of the big organizations? I am quoted in the article about the FIDF (Friends of the IDF) regarding their $174,000,000 net cash reserves, in Haaretz, October 27, 2023

From someone I don’t know, but he got it right about collecting items for Israel, in eJewishPhilanthropy, October 30, 2023
How to help, where to give, what to do, what not to do: my short article in the Jewish Link, October 12, 2023
My interview about the 2023 War in Israel and giving Tzedakah via Hands on Tzedakah, on CBS News Channel 12 in West Palm Beach, October 11, 2023

My reflections on the 2023 War in Israel, published in the Jewish Link, October 10, 2023
American Football in Israel and we are the champions! Here is my report of the AFI Flag Football European Tourney published in the Jewish Link, September 2023
An amazing one-woman show about 2nd generation Holocaust survivors. My review of the play before it gets to off Broadway! published in the Jewish Link, August 2023
mmmmm, barbeque! My review of the Ramada Jerusalem Hotel’s amazing poolside all-you-can-eat BBQ, published in the Jewish Link, August 2023
Want to do a mitzvah? Tzedakah’s sibling mitzvah, Chessed! – Here’s a nice article about what I do: Voluntourism: When giving becomes part of the fun (CAVEAT: while the first part of the article is great, the non-profits mentioned later on are not on my approved list. Just fyi). Published via JNS, and elsewhere, March 2023
The always timely subject – my pet peeve: When Giving Tzedakah Can be a Criminal Offense, published in the Jewish Link, February 2023
Tzedaka: The ethics and morals when donating to charity: Lots of questions raised, and a few answers, too. In the Jerusalem Post with a letter to the editor following as well. December 2022
My Favorite Organizations? I wrote about 12 of them: Here they are, in my article about bringing happiness into the world, in the Jerusalem Post. (and featured in the Jewish Journal as well!) (or download in pdf here) October 2022
Interviews with the best Mitzvah heroes – in a series I did for Unorthoboxed Magazine for Jewish Women! (and a few other articles I wrote as well). 2021-2023
Don’t Know Who to Vote For? (Doesn’t matter if in Israel, USA, elsewhere) It’s easy….. Read my Op-Ed, in the Jerusalem Post October 2022
How to make a trip to Israel better, easier, awesomer and more delicious – my Tzedakah Adventures gets a shout out in this article by Fran Kritz in the Washington Jewish Week (and republished in the Baltimore Jewish Times, Arizona Jewish Times, and in French in the Look Travels website.) July 2022
I was invited by Gvahim (an organization that assists Olim – new immigrants – and one that I volunteer for) to give a webinar entitled “The Non-Profit Landscape in Israel – and is there work available?”
Over 50 people signed up, and I received some nice feedback, including: “I really enjoyed learning more about the breakdown of the nonprofit sector. As someone who’s worked in the sector for many years, it was very helpful to understand how everything breaks down as well as the pros and cons.” June 2022
A quick, fun article I wrote for the Jerusalem Post about SPAM! (no, not the canned ‘meat’)… June 2022
Nice to get a shoutout from “Israel Active” – thanks guys! May 2022
An article I wrote about Kav Mashve, an organization which assists Israeli Arab university graduates find suitable employment and managerial positions, in the Jerusalem Post, March 2022
When Giving Tzedakah is a Criminal Offense! An article about the need to be so careful when donating. The Rambam (Maimonides) writes “We must be especially careful to observe the mitzvah of tzedakah, more so than any other positive mitzvah.” More careful about giving tzedakah than loving God, observing Yom Kippur, sanctifying the Shabbat, putting on tefillin, eating matzah, hearing the shofar, honoring parents, being fruitful and multiplying, and so on. In “Unorthoboxed,” February 2022
My Op-Ed about high salaries in the non-profit world where instead, we should be giving Tzedakah wisely, “COVID-19: Nonprofits struggle financially, their top executives earn big,” published in the Jerusalem Post, February 2022. (Click here for my report on the high salaries)

NOT the Rambam – An article co-authored by me and Jonathan Feldstein about the 8 worst ways to give tzedakah, with apologies to Maimonides and his 8-level ladder of giving! online: Jerusalem Post Magazine, November 2021 (also appeared in ejewishphilanthropy and in the Jewish Link)

My Op-Ed about giving Tzedakah wisely, “When Giving Tzedakah is a Criminal Offense,” published in the Jewish Press, April 2021. I have received the most reaction from this than any other article/op-ed!

A philanthropic initiative featuring the MoodKnight software, Teens helping Teens online, in real time. Here’s the article I wrote, “Promoting Online Positivity”. (January 2021)

Jerusalem Post feature article I wrote in the Friday magazine, Online and emoting: Preventing youthful tragedy, with MoodKnight in the side box (Click here to see the article online at jpost.com). (January 2021)

My Born to Do, with Nathalie Garson. Nathalie interviewed me regarding my career path, how to do tzedakah wisely, and why do I know anything about social media! (Click here to learn more about Nathalie and Born to Do), October 15, 2020

Let’s Talk Torah, I was interviewed by Rabbi Tzvi Jacobson about my work as a Philanthropic Consultant, September 3,2020

Jerusalem Post, Here’s how you can help from home if you want to, regarding giving Tzedakah during a crisis, April 23, 2020
JNS (Jewish News Syndicate), Israelis face extra hardships in preparing for Passover this year, (skip down to the part “‘Quiet deeds, day by day’“), April 6, 2020.
Myisrael, Giving 100%, All of the Time, an article I wrote for the Jerusalem Post Magazine, February 2020, regarding the British foundation, Myisrael, opening their Israeli counterpart!
Impacting under the radar causes in Israel, interview with Danni Franks, founder and director of the British Foundation, My Israel, as part of the series “The Only Way Is Up.” Danni kindly mentions me at 13:20!, January 2020
Jerusalem Post, 12 Ways Families Can Give Back This Summer, July 2019. PLEASE NOTE: I do not endorse any of the non-profits listed in the article (pity I wasn’t consulted beforehand!!!!); in fact, about 6 of them are really very poor efficient users of hard-earned, precious, holy tzedakah money. sad. very sad.
Haaretz (English), New Madoff Scandal Feared as Jewish Hedge Fund Execs Charged in $1 Billion Ponzi Scheme, December 2016
Jewish Week, Supporting the Israel Border Patrol, December 2015
USA Today, Donations in Israel for Rosh Hashana, September 2014
Inside, Voyage of Enlightenment, Winter 2012
Jerusalem Post, Hanukkah Gelt, Hanukkah Guilt, December 2012
I-Point Media, Israel Advocacy on Social Media, October 2012
Jewish Week, For The Perplexed, A Guide To Giving: Experts weigh in on how to judge requests and vet charities. The philanthropic road from Maimonides to Guidestar, October 2010
Cleveland Jewish News, Teddy Bears Make Aliyah!, November 2010
Tzedakah Conference with Danny Siegel, e-jewish philanthropy, 2009

Interviews

Quoted in a Jerusalem Post article, With no end to war in sight, how are Israelis coping with October 7, nine months on?, my personal experiences. July 2024
An interview with the Van Leer Institute about Giving Wisely, conducted by Renee Garfinkel – how to give tzedakah, sources and resources, and more. December 2023
A very in-depth interview (a little over an hour!) conducted by Jonathan Feldstein, with me explaining all about giving – how to give tzedakah, sources and resources, and much more. November 2021
Quoted in The Forward’s article about Ethics in the Jewish Community, June 2021

with Josh Hasten, The Land of Israel.com podcast, the largest English speaking TV show broadcast from Israel internationally, discussing MoodKnight. (January 2021)

with Arieh O’Sullivan on Israel Channel 11 Kan Reka Radio English News: Using AI to Detect Mental Distress. Listen as we discuss MoodKnight. (December 2020)

with Yoni Neimann, Networking in the Non-Profit Sector, November 2019
with Josh Hasten, January 2015: On YouTube and from Breaking Israel News
a little nugget from Road Trip Nation, about my journey.
with Lorelai Kude, Radio Free Nachlaot, May 2011
Arnie’s Tzedakah Adventures, Putting Off the Ritz, December 2010
Tzedakah Adventures at Midreshet Moriah,
Annual Consultant Tzedakah Adventures for the Sebban Family, Sydney, Australia
Israel News Talk Radio, Interviewed by Tamar Yonah, about my years on the Chevra Kaddisha Burial Society, (my segment is from 17:00 – 27:54), May 2018

Fun Stuff

RICHIE’S PIZZA! I wrote a lengthy article about Richie Fox and his very famous Richie’s Pizza for the Jerusalem Post Magazine. July 2021
Maccabi sports has entered a team in the Israeli basketball leagues! Read on…. Jewish Link, September 2024
I was quoted in an article about the Global Network for Jewish Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders, where I sit on the Board of Advisors! Jerusalem Post, August 2024
An article I wrote about a possible solution to the Haredi draft issue, a yeshiva for training IDF soldiers! Jewish Link, August 2024
An article I wrote about Eddy Meiri, an Israeli-American attorney, in the Jewish Link, August 2024
I am quoted in an article about the 2024 Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) – my feelings of what the country is experiencing, in light of the ongoing October 7th war with the Palestinian Hamas terrorists. (Jerusalem Post, May 2024)
Article I wrote about a great real estate group: Israel Home. In the Jewish Link, (April 2024)
Wine tastings in Israel! Four of my favorites and my review in the Jewish Link (March 2024)
Yeshiva University Basketball Team (the Maccabees) came to Israel during wartime – read all about it in my article in the NJ Jewish Link! January 2024
Israeli version of Tuna Helper, for the IDF soldiers in the field, in the Jewish Link, February 2024
Very nice words from Gvahim, where I volunteer as a mentor to olim (immigrants to Israel), posted to LinkedIn, January 2024
Jordyn and Yehoshua Aryeh Stauber of YA Fine Arts are two young immigrants in Israel. YA is the artist/photographer and Jordyn runs the business/gallery across from Mamilla. Here’s my write up about these great people! NJ Jewish Link, December 2023
Izzy of Keter Advisors – helping you with everything in real estate in Israel, December 2023
My review of the new Theatron Hotel in Jerusalem, in the NY & NJ Jewish Link, July 2023
American Football in Israel – Proud to say I had a part in it! Read on…..Jerusalem Post December 2021
Arnona – the Jerusalem neighborhood I live in – celebrating its 100th anniversary. I assisted with providing much of the background info for the article in the Jerusalem Post’s “In Jerusalem”. Some really fun facts! July 2021
Remembering Mechoel Pomeranz of Pomeranz BookSeller: “He knew his products,” explained Arnie Draiman, a philanthropic consultant who knew Pomeranz for over 15 years. “He knew every book in the store. He wasn’t just a simple salesman in a store. It was a love of books and a love of customers that made him who he was. It made him a local Jerusalem icon.” Jerusalem Post July 2022

US Embassy moving again? Yes, I am quoted in the article! fun!!!! US Embassy in Jerusalem plans ambitious expansion, Jerusalem Post, January 29, 2021 (and then, a new article recycling my quote! February 15, 2021) and then it was reprinted in Arabic! Shukran!

My op-ed in the Jerusalem Post, as we began the campaign for Israel Elections IV (March 3, 2021) : How to Choose Your Candidate, Jerusalem Post, December 29, 2020

The picture of the knitting soldier, feature in Rachel Sharansky’s Jerusalem Moments website.
Arnie’s IDF soldier picture used in a music video! (at 00:35)
“Arnie Draiman takes perhaps the greatest IDF photo in history“, June 2014 (link currently broken, sad)

Who did I vote for in 2020? The Jerusalem Press Club asked random Israeli citizens and here is my response, October 2020

Haaretz, My Reaction to having cancelled Davidman’s Pesach program at the Dead Sea. Very Sad and wishing everyone good health. March 2020
Jerusalem Post, My thoughts on the World Leaders Conference (regarding the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz), and the issues it causes for local residents, January 2020
JNS, Conservative movement alumni draw red line on anti-Israel rhetoric, June 2018
The Forward, My views on moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem, May 2018
Hadassah Magazine, Cheesecake Factory in Israel, May 2018
World Israel News, What Israelis are hoping for in 2018, January 1, 2018
The Media Line, Arnie and Team Israel, in Major League Baseball’s “World Baseball Classic”, March 2017
USA Today, Arnie and the Mayor of Jerusalem, February 2015
Having an event? Want people to donate to a worthwhile place? Check out what Rona and Aaron did! (Only places which meet my rigorous criteria!)
My child makes the Purim costume spread at the Times of Israel, March 2014 (scroll about halfway down, he’s the Harry Potter wizard off to Hogwarts for Megillah Reading!)
Third Time, Ice Cream, January 2013
Local Producer for Portraits in Faith, with Daniel Epstein
USA Today, Arnie and President Obama, March 2013
New York Times, Real Estate in Jerusalem, December 2006
The Jewish Week, Living in Har Homa, December 2007
Jerusalem Municipality, Neighborhood Review by Arnie
Globe and Mail, From Hi-Tech to Tzedakah, April 2001
Not Page One, a column by Sam Orbaum (z”l), about eluna and my restaurant reviews!, October 1999
Jill Rogoff
My Own Thoughts: When Giving Tzedakah is a Criminal Offense

Book Dedications:

1,000 Mitzvahs: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Heal, Inspire, and Change, by Linda Cohen
Tzedakah: A Time for Change, by Danny Siegel
Bar and Bat Mitzvah in Israel: The Ultimate Family Sourcebook, by Judith Isaacson, Deborah Rosenbloom

Facebook:

My Personal Page and my Tzedakah Adventures Page

Arnie “In The Media”, Israeli Press (In Hebrew)