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.
Highlighting Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination
After incendiary remarks by the Minister of Internal Security, NIF grantee, The Aguda – Israel’s LGBT Task Force launched a social media campaign shedding light on injustices facing LGBTQ in Israel.
Exposing IDF Home Invasions in the West Bank
A recent report by three NIF grantees revealed the harsh and traumatic reality of home invasions, an intimidation tactic used by the IDF in the occupied territories.
Highlighting Victims of Child Detention
NIF grantees staged an event centering testimonies of Palestinian children detained by the IDF in the West Bank.
Combating Intrusive Government Surveillance
After a petition by several NIF grantees, Israel’s Supreme Court has demanded an explanation from the state for unnecessarily intrusive surveillance measures during the COVID-19 crisis.