In a part of the world where the pace of events is in any case very quick, the recent events have demonstrated just how quick the pace can become. Even though relations between the two countries have been strained for some time (we all remember how Erdwan snubbed Shimon Peres at Davos last year), nobody was prepared for the slide into open hostility that caught many Israelis by surprise – some of whom were still lounging by the pools of Turkish resort hotels. We shouldn't be surprised at the speed in which Israel has become isolated. Unable to savor our joining the OECD or enjoy an artist like Elvis Costello, the open animosity displayed against us has given rise to a sense of siege and isolation.  Perhaps after so many years of persecutions, expulsions, and genocides, we have evolved a chemistry of highly-adept receptors capable of sensing anti-Semitism in all of its various forms.   So, when senior White House correspondent Helen Thomas tells us to leave Palestine and go back "home" to Germany, Poland and America, we shouldn't be too shocked. But we are. Things have soured quicker than most of us could have anticipated. So how does this connect with philanthropy?  Without getting into a discussion of what Israel's responsibility is in all of this, when a Jewish community is under siege we must all go into solidarity mode. Jewish philanthropy is an extension of Tzedaka which has always been one of the best and most timeless expressions of Jewish solidarity.   The philanthropic support and involvement that we often take for granted during times of relative peace becomes an active statement helping to dull feelings of isolation. During such times, the intended aim of the philanthropy - important as it may be – becomes as important as the act itself.