Author Archive: New Israel Fund
A Democracy, Not a Utopia
I’ve come to see NIF as a microcosm of the incredible potential that exists in Israel, the hope, hatikva.
The Politics of Theater in Washington, DC
Two years ago, the New Israel Fund began a partnership with Theater J, the Washington, DC, Jewish theater that, according to its website, produces “thought-provoking, publicly engaged, personal, passionate and entertaining plays and musicals that celebrate the distinctive urban voice and social vision that are part of the Jewish cultural legacy.”
Why New Israel Fund Is Marching For Israel
On June 1, tens of thousands of New Yorkers will gather for the annual Celebrate Israel Parade. As in previous years, we at the New Israel Fund (NIF) will be there, leading a group of progressive, pro-Israel activists. We will take our rightful place alongside the many others dedicated to the Israel that is, as well as the Israel that ought to be.
Wrestling Jerusalem — Continue the Conversation
Did you see Aaron Davidman’s show, Wrestling Jerusalem? Have a question or thought that you want to raise with Aaron? Post your comment below. Aaron will respond (we promise).
Building a More Inclusive Israel
Israel, founded as the Jewish state, was never meant to be a theocracy…
Rabbinic Statement of Concern
I need your help with what’s happening in Jerusalem. Last week, Israeli newspapers reported that Mayor Nir Barkat is backing the candidacy of Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu for the post of Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. We need to let Mayor Barkat know that appointing someone with a history of extremist, exclusionary behavior as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem sends exactly the wrong message.
The African Refugee Issue: An Important Test for Israel
The African refugee issue in Israel, like so many other controversial topics that affect the Israeli body-politic, leaves me internally conflicted. On one hand, I have been appalled by the Israeli government’s behavior toward this issue: the racist incitement by Israeli politicians like Miri Regev, and the attempts to alleviate the situation through cruel and capricious legal mechanisms like the “Infiltrator law.”
Israel’s dilemma: Who can be an Israeli?
Recently, Israel has been beset by a pair of controversies relating to its Arab minority: the proposal to resettle Bedouin Arabs against their will and the call to “transfer” Arab citizens to a future Palestinian state.
How I Learned To Be Courageously Curious About Israel
You know you have been there: your heart starts beating a bit faster, the voice in your head is shouting “Are you kidding me!?!” and you write off the person you are talking to as being a lost cause. We all remember having that difficult conversation on Israel.
Opposing the ASA Boycott: A “Hopefully Flawed” Israel
As more and more attention is being given to the American Studies Association decision to boycott Israel, I want to share with you NIF’s approach to the issue.