New Israel Fund

New Israel Fund is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote democracy, equality, and social justice in Israel. Founded in 1979 by Barbara Dobkin, the organization has been a key player in supporting Israeli civil society and promoting the rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel, LGBTQ+ community in Israel, and other marginalized groups, often in collaboration with organizations like Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and B'Tselem. The organization has worked closely with Knesset members, such as Tamar Zandberg and Ayman Odeh, to advance legislative initiatives and policy changes. Through its work, the New Israel Fund has also engaged with international organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations, to promote human rights and social justice in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

● History

The New Israel Fund was established in 1979 by a group of American Jewish leaders, including Barbara Dobkin and Al Vorspan, with the goal of promoting social justice and democracy in Israel. The organization's early work focused on supporting Israeli NGOs, such as Shatil and The Israel Women's Network, that were working to address issues like poverty in Israel, women's rights in Israel, and environmental protection in Israel. Over the years, the organization has expanded its work to include support for Palestinian Israeli organizations, such as The Galilee Society and The Arab Association for Human Rights, and has become a leading voice on issues like Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlements in the West Bank, and Gaza Strip blockade. The New Israel Fund has also worked with prominent Israeli academics, including Ilan Pappé and Yehuda Shenhav, to promote critical thinking and debate on issues related to Israeli society and Middle East politics.

● Mission and Activities

The New Israel Fund's mission is to promote democracy, equality, and social justice in Israel by supporting Israeli NGOs and community organizations that work to address issues like racism in Israel, inequality in Israel, and human rights in the Israeli-occupied territories. The organization's activities include providing grants to Israeli NGOs, such as The Hotline for Refugees and Migrants and The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, as well as supporting advocacy and community organizing efforts, often in partnership with organizations like J Street and The New Israel Fund's Shatil. The New Israel Fund also works to promote Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and cooperation, and has supported initiatives like the Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel and the Neve Shalom-Wahat al-Salam community. Additionally, the organization has engaged with prominent Israeli artists, including Amos Oz and David Grossman, to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

● Grants and Funding

The New Israel Fund provides grants to Israeli NGOs and community organizations that work to promote social justice and democracy in Israel. The organization's grants have supported a wide range of initiatives, including human rights advocacy, community organizing, and social justice activism, often in collaboration with organizations like The Ford Foundation and The Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The New Israel Fund has also provided funding to organizations that work to promote Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation, such as the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation and the Geneva Initiative. In addition, the organization has supported initiatives that address issues like LGBTQ+ rights in Israel, women's empowerment in Israel, and environmental protection in Israel, often in partnership with organizations like The Environmental Protection Ministry of Israel and The Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

● Controversies and Criticisms

The New Israel Fund has faced criticism and controversy over the years, particularly from right-wing Israeli politicians and settler groups, who have accused the organization of supporting anti-Israel and anti-Zionist activities, often citing the organization's support for BDS movement and Breaking the Silence (organization). The organization has also faced criticism from some left-wing Israeli activists, who have accused it of being too moderate and not doing enough to support Palestinian rights and Israeli-Palestinian solidarity, often citing the organization's relationships with Meretz and Hadash. Despite these criticisms, the New Israel Fund has continued to be a leading voice on issues related to social justice in Israel and human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and has worked to promote Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and cooperation, often in collaboration with organizations like The Israeli-Palestinian Parents Circle-Families Forum and The Combatants for Peace.

● Organizational Structure

The New Israel Fund is a nonprofit organization that is governed by a board of directors, which includes prominent Israeli and American Jewish leaders, such as Daniel Sokatch and Naomi Chazan. The organization has a professional staff that is responsible for managing its grants and programs, as well as a network of volunteers and activists who support its work, often in collaboration with organizations like The Jewish Federations of North America and The World Union for Progressive Judaism. The New Israel Fund also has a number of regional offices and partnerships with other organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations, which help to support its work and promote its mission, often in partnership with organizations like The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and The Tel Aviv University.