On July 3, Koah ha-Ole Foundation President Yuri Kanner appeared as a guest on a new episode of the “From the River to the Sea” podcast.

In the episode “Why He Left a Successful Business for a Public Mission,” hosts Ilya Axelrod and Yan Levinzon speak with Yuri Kanner — community leader, philanthropist, entrepreneur and former president of the Russian Jewish Congress.

The hour-long conversation explores Yuri Kanner’s personal journey, his transition from business to public service, the workings of large-scale philanthropy, global Jewish diplomacy, historical memory and the challenges Jewish communities face today.

The episode is a thoughtful, candid and important conversation about personal responsibility, the strength of public institutions and why philanthropy is not only a form of assistance, but also a long-term strategy for supporting people and communities.

Watch the episode on Ilya Axelrod’s YouTube channel.