New Israel Fund

New Israel Fund. Established in 1979, it is a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing democracy, equality, and social justice for all citizens of Israel. The fund provides financial and strategic support to hundreds of Israeli non-governmental organizations and civil society initiatives. Its work spans a broad spectrum of issues including Arab-Jewish shared society, women's rights, religious pluralism, and economic justice.

History

The New Israel Fund was founded in 1979 by a group of American and Canadian philanthropists, including Jonathan Cohen and Toni Greenberg, who sought to strengthen Israel's democratic foundations. Its early years focused on supporting emerging social movements and organizations addressing inequalities faced by Mizrahi Jews and the Arab citizens of Israel. A significant early achievement was its pivotal role in establishing the first legal aid centers for marginalized communities. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it expanded its portfolio to include human rights groups, environmental advocacy, and initiatives promoting Jewish pluralism in response to the growing power of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The fund played a key role during the Second Intifada in supporting coexistence programs and later helped mobilize the 2011 social justice protests.

Mission and activities

The organization's mission is to foster a more just and democratic Israel that upholds the principles of its Declaration of Independence. Its primary activity is grantmaking to a wide network of civil society partners, such as Sikkuy, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and Kav LaOved. It runs flagship programs like Shatil, which provides capacity-building and technical support to grassroots organizations. Key initiatives focus on combating racism, promoting shared society between Jewish and Arab communities, advancing LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting Bedouin rights in the Negev. It also engages in public advocacy and legal action, often through partnerships with groups like the Israel Religious Action Center.

Governance and funding

The New Israel Fund is governed by an international Board of Directors with members from North America, Europe, and Israel. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff led by its Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Sokatch. The organization is funded primarily by donations from thousands of individuals, families, and foundations across the Jewish diaspora, with significant support from communities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland. It maintains offices in Jerusalem, New York City, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and London. Financial allocations are determined through a rigorous process involving its International Council and regional committees.

Impact and recognition

The fund's grantees have been instrumental in landmark legal and social achievements in Israel. These include Supreme Court victories on issues like gender segregation and the rights of asylum seekers, and the passage of legislation such as the Anti-Infiltration Law. It has empowered a generation of activists and leaders within Israeli society, including figures in the Knesset and the Supreme Court. The organization has received awards from entities like the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is frequently cited in major media outlets including Haaretz and The New York Times for its role in shaping public discourse.

Controversies and criticism

The New Israel Fund has been a frequent target of criticism from right-wing political parties and organizations, such as Im Tirtzu, which accuse it of undermining Israel's security and legitimacy by supporting groups that document alleged Israeli war crimes. It faced intense scrutiny during the controversy surrounding the United Nations Goldstone Report, with some critics alleging it provided information to its grantees that was used against the Israel Defense Forces. Legislation efforts, like the NGO Foreign Funding Transparency Law, have been seen as targeting its network of supported organizations. Supporters, including prominent figures like Amos Oz and David Grossman, defend its work as essential to Israeli democracy and a reflection of core Zionist values.

Category:Organizations based in Jerusalem Category:Philanthropic organizations Category:Political and social advocacy organizations in Israel