Dear NIF Community,

Many of us woke up anxious today. After three traumatic years of terror and war, fear runs deep across Israeli society, and we understand it. But we have never let fear set our course.

The exit polls and initial counting of votes from yesterday’s election in Israel point to a slim majority for the parties outside the outgoing coalition. Coalition talks might take weeks, and nothing is final yet.

Turnout was the highest in more than a quarter of a century, and among Palestinian citizens of Israel it was historic. We are proud to have supported the non-partisan civic participation work led by so many inspiring leaders and partners.

The Arab-Jewish partnership we embody and encourage offers a model for a resilient democracy and a stable, shared society.

Our work goes beyond the results of an election. Our work is about people: the leaders, communities and organisations who defend democracy, equality and human rights every day. Whoever is in power, they strive to build a better, safer future.

As I wrote in Jewish News this week, “Those who voted differently are not our enemies. Democracy survives because people defend the rights of those with whom they profoundly disagree.” And “None of this will happen because of an election alone. Turning promises into change will take the same people who have carried Israel through three years of war and grief.”

NIF has stood with Israeli civil society since 1979, through many governments, and we are not going anywhere.

Join us on 19 November with others grappling with fear and uncertainty yet resolved to continue this vital work. Come together to honour and hear from Samer and Noam, this year’s Human Rights Awards recipients, who exemplify that determination.

Thank you for standing with us.

David Davidi-Brown CEO, New Israel Fund UK