Human Rights and Democracy
A Just Society at Peace with Itself and Its Neighbors
NIF works to transform Israel’s founding ideal of complete equality for all into reality, and to protect the human rights of all people living under Israel’s control.
Over the past decade, respect for democracy and human rights has declined, both among government leaders and the Israeli public. These values are too frequently derided as illegitimate or are distorted to mean unbridled majority rule. The ultra-nationalist right continues to propose legislation and policies to curtail freedom of expression.
NIF’s program is designed to advance pro-democracy values and their expression in Israel’s public life, safeguard human and civil rights—particularly in the occupied territories—and strengthen public trust in and support for democratic rights and values.
Our program focuses first on preserving freedom of speech, a right that is the mainspring for other democratic values, by empowering activists with the information they need about their own rights and protecting those rights in court. Our second focus, safeguarding democratic institutions and processes, aims to counter legislative threats to democracy while developing mechanisms for public participation and transparency. And finally we invest in partners who remind Israelis of the human, social, and economic cost of the occupation, as well as those attempting to bring equity and social justice to all the residents of Jerusalem.
Resilience in the Face of Anti-LGBTQ Threats
After a violent threat disrupted plans for a Pride Parade in a conservative Negev town, NIF grantee The Aguda and LGBTQ activists and allies regrouped and reflected on the fight against incitement and bigotry.
Fighting Expulsions in the South Hebron Hills
After an egregious ruling by Israel’s Supreme court, ACRI pledges to continue the fight to prevent the eviction of Palestinians from the South Hebron Hills.
Demanding Justice and Transparency for Victims of the Yemenite Children Affair
NIF grantees demand full transparency from Israel’s Ministry of Health regarding the disappearance of Yeminite children in the early days of the Israeli state.
Exposing the Systemic Injustice of Military Courts in the West Bank
Multiple NIF grantees recently revealed alarming, new statistics about Israel’s military court system in the West Bank, under which Palestinian civilians are subject to martial law.