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Rachel–
The Israeli Cabinet is set to vote Sunday on two bills that limit
the ability of progressive Israeli groups to raise funds. The bills
explicitly target funding for human rights and social justice
groups.I want you to know about this threat to Israelis society.
And I want you to know that NIF will not allow the most important
Israeli voices for progressive values to be muzzled.
NIF and the groups we support are working as a united front.
Our staff are meeting with their contacts in their Knesset and
with Cabinet officials. And we’re reaching out to leaders in the
United States to weigh in.
The two bills — one authored by Ofir Akunis (Likud) and the
other by Fania Kirschenbaum (Yisrael Beitenu) — would severely
limit or tax foreign-government funding for Israeli civil society.
Their strategy is simple: Shoot the messenger. They don’t like the
problems revealed by Israeli human rights organizations. And rather
than address the issues, they’re trying to dry up funding for some of
the most important and courageous groups in Israel .
If they succeed, they’ll not only shoot the messenger, they’ll be
dealing a blow to all of us who care about Israel .
The Israel we love cannot survive if it is not a free and democratic
society. Passing legislation like these bills — legislation that stifles
dissenting voices — deprives Israelis of access to independent
sources of information and to a range of opinions. The very fact
that this legislation has come this far may already create a chilling
effect on the vibrancy of democracy in Israel .
These two bills are part of a disturbing trend. Over the past two
years we’ve seen repeated efforts by political officials to silence
those who dare to question the current political orthodoxy. Legislation
is not their only tactic. Just this week, a prominent reporter — known
for her aggressive interview style — was sacked by the government-
owned television station.
I believe that Israel can be better than this. That’s why I’ m a part of
the New Israel Fund. I think that’s why you are too.
NIF defends democratic values in Israel . Please know that we’re working
hard to stop these two bills.
I’ll be in touch with more soon,
Daniel Sokatch
CEO, New Israel Fund
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