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.
Dimona’s Hebrew Israelites Threatened With Expulsion
An NIF-produced video highlights the music of Dimona’s Hebrew Israelite community, which is currently under threat of expulsion.
Demanding Healthcare Rights for Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank
A new report by NIF grantee Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) found that Israel has been shirking its responsibilities as an occupying power to provide healthcare for Palestinians in the West Bank.
Celebrating the Women of Machsom Watch
A digital Haaretz exhibit celebrates the 20 Years of anti-Occupation activism of our grantee Machsom Watch.
Securing Health Care Rights for Asylum Seekers
After an unprecedented visit to NIF grantee Physicians For Human Rights Israel’s clinic for asylum seekers in Jaffa, Israel’s sitting health minister made a statement committing to greater health equity for all.