Events
Sign up for NIF events. Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay up to date.
Testimonies from a Troubled Land: Israel’s Press Photography Exhibit in London
We are pleased to present a powerful selection from Local Testimony (Edut Mekomit), Israel’s leading annual exhibition of photojournalism. This curated collection of still images and short films offers an unfiltered look at a turbulent year in Israeli society, capturing conflict, protest, and everyday resilience through the lens of acclaimed Israeli and Palestinian photographers.
The exhibition runs from Wednesday 10th to Friday 12 June in Hoxton, London.
Join us for a special evening event on Thursday 11 June (18:30 – 20:00) exploring the state of Israeli journalism and press freedom, featuring guest speaker Dr Ayala Panievskys in conversation with Noa Landau. Register here.
Alternatively, visitors are welcome to attend a daytime gallery showing, with curator Dana Wohlfeiler-Lalkin and photographer Tomer Appelbaum in residence to guide audiences through the exhibition.
Photo by Naama Grynbaum, an olive tree damaged in the wildfire that broke out on the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldier of Israel and Victims of Terrorism. Jerusalem Hills, 30 April 2025.
Previous Events
Seret
We were delighted to partner with Seret, the International Israeli Film Festival, to bring a rich and thought-provoking selection of films to audiences in the UK. This year, we were proud to sponsor four powerful films that explore complex, deeply human stories from Israel and the region.
At the New Israel Fund, we believe in the power of film to amplify voices that are too often unheard, and to shine a light on experiences and perspectives that rarely reach mainstream attention. Through storytelling, these films offer insight into lives shaped by conflict, identity, memory, and resilience.
We sponsored four films: The Sea, Get the Land Back, Annu, and Oxygen. Each offers a unique and compelling perspective, inviting audiences to engage with urgent social and political realities through a human lens.
Read more about the films here.
It’s Time: The People’s Peace Summit (Webinar)
In partnership with Yachad, we hosted a webinar on Wednesday, 22nd April, to highlight the It’s Time Coalition — a powerful alliance of over 80 Israeli and Palestinian organisations working for peace and a shared society. At a critical political moment, the coalition is ensuring that the case for peace remains visible, organised and influential.
We heard directly from coalition leaders and activists about the realities on the ground and how civil society is mobilising for a different future.
Speakers included Tami Yakira, Mika Almog, Somaya Bashir and Timna Medovoy.
Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day
We were honoured to take part in two London screenings of the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony on Erev Yom HaZikaron.
Now in its 21st year, the ceremony is organised by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle Family Forum. It remains the only event of its kind and the largest jointly organised Israeli-Palestinian peace initiative.
For over two decades, the ceremony has brought Israelis and Palestinians together in shared grief and a joint call for peace. At a time of ongoing violence and loss, it offered a rare and vital space to come together across divides — to mourn, reflect, and stand in solidarity in pursuit of a different future.
At our London screenings, we were joined by Israeli and Palestinian speakers and shared a moment of reflection in remembrance of innocent lives lost. This event continued to be a unique opportunity to stand together, united in grief, remembrance, and hope, and to affirm that another path is possible.
You can view the screening of the event here.
The Vivian Silver Awards 2026
On Sunday, 22nd March, we honoured the winners of the Vivian Silver Impact Award and celebrated the life and legacy of Vivian Silver, a lifelong advocate for peace, equality, and shared society.
We were honoured to be hosted by Christiane Amanpour, the acclaimed British-Iranian journalist and Chief International Anchor for CNN, whose fearless global reporting and commitment to truth have made her one of the most respected voices in international affairs.
The Award recognises two women — one Arab and one Jewish — whose work reflects Vivian Silver’s values of women’s empowerment, human rights, and peace between Israelis and Palestinians. This year’s awardees are Quamar Mishirqi-Assad, founder of Haqel, and Yofi Tirosh, a leading advocate for Israeli democracy, equality, and women’s inclusion in public life.
Funds raised from the event will support the AJEEC House in the Negev – named the Vivian Silver Centre for Shared Society – which embodies a transformative vision for Arab Israeli youth’s employment and social integration.
Democracy Under Fire: Voices from the Ground in Wartime
Together with our colleagues in the US and Israel, we hosted an emergency webinar on Monday, 9th March, about the current situation in Israel and across the Middle East.
We heard from three speakers providing analysis and firsthand perspectives from the ground: Gil Murciano, CEO of Mitvim; Huda Abu Obaid, CEO of the Negev Coexistence Forum; and Nadav Weiman, CEO of Breaking the Silence.
They offered geopolitical analysis and reflected on the role of diplomacy and policy institutions in moments like this, discussed the challenges facing Bedouin citizens during the war and addressed the increase in settler violence in the West Bank since the outbreak of the war.
The webinar was moderated by Idit Klein, VP for public engagement, with opening remarks from acting Global CEO, Mickey Gitzin.
The Thinking Heart: David Grossman
What does enduring conflict do to a person’s soul and to the spirit of a nation? Internationally bestselling Israeli writer David Grossman has spent decades campaigning for peace. In The Thinking Heart, he asks difficult, necessary questions of his beloved nation after 7 October: How could this massacre occur? How could the Netanyahu government fail to protect its citizens? Will there ever be a lasting peace in the region?
Winner of the International Booker Prize, the Heinrich Heine Prize and the Wingate Prize, Grossman returned to Jewish Book Week in conversation with Rosie Goldsmith, and in partnership with the New Israel Fund.
Defending Democracy in a Crucial Year for Israel
On the 18th of February, we hosted this in-depth discussion on Israeli democracy and human rights in a decisive election year.
The panel brought together Ron Gerlitz and Mariam Kabaha from aChord, alongside Mikhael Manekin of Faithful Left, the former chair of Breaking the Silence. They were joined by journalist Alona Ferber.
Together, they examined how public opinion, civil society, and political choices are being shaped in the run-up to the election.
They spoke about the importance of partnership with Arab parties in the upcoming elections, alongside a clear call to action for all of us to champion collaboration and democratic values; shared reflections on aChord’s vital work in fostering shared Jewish and Arab spaces. They also offered a compelling perspective on how the Faithful Left is working to protect Palestinians in the West Bank, drawing on the unique lens of Orthodox Jewish leadership.
You can view a recording of the evening here.
Beyond the Ceasefire: What’s Next for Gaza
Together with Yachad, we co-hosted this conversation with Stav Salpeter, Director of International Relations at Gisha, on the 22nd of January.
As Gaza entered another harsh winter and the humanitarian crisis deepened, Stav unpacked the legal implications of the ceasefire and what the future might hold for Israelis and Palestinians, as well as how Gisha are trying to help civilians in the strip— as in the case of the cancer patient from Gaza whom Gisha successfully petitioned the court to allow to travel to the West Bank for life-saving treatment.
NIF @ Limmud
Limmud Festival brings together individuals and organisations for several days of learning, conversation and community.
In 2025, New Israel Fund, together with Yachad, was delighted to host two activists from Standing Together:
- Angela Mattar, Team Leader
- Eliah Levin, Student Organiser at the University of Haifa
We also partnered with Breaking the Silence, supporting:
- Luiz Aberbuj, Jewish Diaspora Educational Coordinator
- Inbal Morag, Education Coordinator
Across three days, we offered a rich programme of films, conversations and panels exploring Israeli and Palestinian activism, trauma and hope, the realities of the West Bank, and how we can imagine a more just future. See the full line up here.
The Rise of Fake News and What It Means for Democracy
On Wednesday, 3rd December we gathered to hear Fake Reporter’s Tal Hagin discuss democracy in an age of rising misinformation.
Tal is one of the most insightful voices working today on disinformation and digital manipulation. He is a Research Fellow at our grantee FakeReporter, and his investigations have shaped public understanding of how online campaigns influence politics, media and society.
Tal was joined by journalist Adam Schwarz, and together they delved into what really lies behind the flood of misleading information shaping our world. Tal brought real examples from the past two years — from the war and the anti-government protests to the targeted online attacks on hostages and their families — offering an inside look at how these narratives are created, amplified and weaponised.
Human Rights Awards
We were delighted to host our flagship Human Rights Awards event on Thursday 6th November — it was an inspiring evening celebrating courage, equality, and the vision of a better future
We were guided on the night by our brilliant MC, Mira Awad — acclaimed Israeli-Palestinian singer, actress, and activist — who brought warmth, insight, and creativity to the stage.
We honoured our remarkable award winners; Hanan Alsanah, pioneering Bedouin lawyer and Co-Executive Director of Itach-Ma’aki, a fearless advocate for women’s rights and equality. Avner Gvaryahu, former Executive Director of Breaking the Silence, who works to expose the human cost of occupation and defend democratic values. Read more about our winners here.
Together, they represent the very best of Israeli civil society: principled, brave, and committed to justice for all.
We had bite-sized storytelling, immersive live performances, relaxed drinks and nibbles — and above all, an unforgettable celebration of hope, humanity, and impact.
You can watch our winners’ videos here (Avner) and here (Hanan), and some highlights from the evening here.
Through the Lens of Turmoil: Israeli Press Photography Exhibit at JW3
We were honoured to offer another opportunity to experience this unique photojournalism exhibit in partnership with JW3 and Local Testimony (Edut Mekomit) – Israel’s premier annual exhibition of press photography.
The exhibition captures the complex reality of the past 18 months in Israel and Palestine: anguish, resistance, and resilience. Featuring award-winning photography from +972’s Oren Ziv, NY Times photographer Avishag-Shaar Yashuv, and many others.
Thank you to those who joined us on a tour of this space led by Netta Cohen, our Fundraising Writer.
7th October Memorial Event
We stood together with Yachad and Choose Democracy and Peace on Sunday, 19th October, to remember the lives lost in the Hamas attacks and ongoing war in Gaza. Together, we created a space for reflection, remembrance, and shared humanity.
Our speakers, Magen Inon, Jasr Kawkby, Yehudit Oppenheimer and Samah Salaime shared their stories of October 7th.
We held this event in the backdrop of the Through the Lens of Turmoil and Resilience photojournalism exhibition at JW3, presented with Local Testimony.
On the Ground in Gaza: Humanitarian Voices Making a Difference
On 8th July, we hosted a webinar featuring voices leading critical grassroots responses to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Dr. Tom Kellner and Seba Abu-Daqa, co-founders of Clean Shelter, shared how their initiative—launched in January 2024—provides essential aid like tents, toilets, and clean water to displaced Gazans despite facing blockades and airstrikes.
Adi Ronen Argov, founder of The Daily File, highlighted efforts to document the harsh realities of occupation, especially the loss of children, by sourcing firsthand reports from Palestinians.
The webinar offered an urgent call to action for dignity and human rights in Gaza.
The Occupation Uncovered
We were thrilled to be joined by Becca Strober for a three-part webinar series that explored what the Israeli occupation is, how it functions, and why it matters.
This highly interactive course looked at three primary areas: the basics of Occupation, life in South Hebron Hills for Palestinian residents and the legal and social structures Palestinians live under in East Jerusalem.
Becca brought with her a wealth of knowledge, and together we unpacked terms like ‘Areas A, B & C’ and ‘Hilltop Youth’, while focusing on the lived experiences of Palestinians in the area.
Becca was formerly the Director of Education at Breaking the Silence, and has previously worked for Gisha and an Arab- Jewish youth partnership.
View resources from the course here.
Emergency Briefing: The Israel-Iran Conflict
On Sunday, 22nd June, NIF and Yachad held an emergency briefing on the conflict between Israel and Iran. We were joined by Maya Ilany and Eran Etzion, who spoke on the impact of the current crisis on Israel and the wider region, addressing the political, military and diplomatic aspects of the unfolding situation.
Maya Ilany is the Head of Public Outreach at the Molad Center for the Renewal of Israeli Democracy. She previously worked as a parliamentary adviser in Britain’s Labour Party; she was also Yachad’s Deputy Director.
Eran Etzion is the former Deputy Head of Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry strategist, where he led key peace talks, pioneered strategic assessments, and directed high-level dialogues with the U.S., EU, and NATO. He now advises on security policy, writes widely, and serves as a Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Institute.
What do Israelis Really Think Right Now?
We were delighted to host a webinar with aChord CEO Ron Gerlitz on Thursday, 12th June, chaired by our own Atira Winchester.
Ron spoke about aChord’s regular polling and research since 7 October and how public opinion has shifted over time. Ron presented an overview of where Israelis and different groups within Israel stand on the war, an agreement to release the remaining hostages, support for regional diplomacy, and voting intentions at the next general election.
Watch a recording of the event here.
Through the Lens of Turmoil and Resilience: Israel’s Press Photography Exhibit in London
To mark Yom Haatzmaut, we held a unique photography exhibit in partnership with ‘Local Testimony’ (Edut Mekomit)- the annual exhibition of photojournalism and documentary photography.
The exhibition showcased the complex reality in the past year and a half in Israel and Palestine— the pain and sorrow alongside resistance and reliance.
The event was held on Thursday 8th May, in an esteemed art gallery in Mayfair.
Learn more about the event here.
Photo by Avishag Shaar-Yashuv. Giora Almog, with his grandchild Gal Goldstein Almog, released from Hamas captivity.
Women Waging Peace
Palestinian & Israeli Activism and Leadership
In honour of International Women’s Day, we hosted the inaugural winners of the Vivian Silver Impact Prize, May Pundak and Rula Hardal, co-directors of A Land for All, on Sunday 9th March.
They were joined by Vivian’s son, Yonatan Zeigen, and Shira Ben-Sasson Furstenberg, Associate Director of NIF in Israel.
Dr Rula Hardal is a lecturer in political science at Palestinian universities as well as a research fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute for Israeli and Jewish Identity in Jerusalem. She is a fellow in the Forum for Regional Thinking. Originally from Peki’in, she currently lives in Ramallah.
May Pundak is a lawyer and a feminist activist. May deals with the seam between policy, education, and community activism. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Law. May is a graduate of the Mandel School for Educational Leadership and lives with her family in Jerusalem.
Click here to read more about the event.
The Fight to Save Israeli Democracy
We were delighted to hear directly from NIF Global CEO Daniel Sokatch and NIF Israel Executive Director Mickey Gitzin in conversation with Dr. Ayala Panievsky (Cambridge University, Molad) on Wednesday 19th February.
Daniel and Mickey discussed the ceasefire and hostage deal, NIF’s work to save democratic values and institutions in Israel, and our current priorities. Through an American and Israeli lens, and in the wake of the Trump inauguration, understand better how 2025 might unfold for Israel and what NIF is doing to make a difference.
The conversation was chaired by Dr. Ayala Panievsky, Gates-Cambridge scholar and Molad research associate.
Click here to watch a recording of the event.
Human Rights Awards Rising Stars
We were delighted to hold our flagship Human Rights Awards event, ‘Rising Stars’ on Sunday 10th November.
The event, hosted by award-winning activist and comedian Noam Shuster-Eliassi, featured our award winners, Eran Nissan and Rawyah Handaqlu, two of the most inspiring young activists and leaders working in Israel today for a fairer future tomorrow. They were in conversation with CNN’s Ami Kaufman. Read more about our winners here.
The evening featured superb, thought-provoking content followed by a relaxed reception and delicious hot bowl food and drinks.
Read more about the evening and see some clips from the night here.
Haaretz Israel Conference, Israel after October 7: Allied or Alone?
We were honoured to co-sponsor the Haaretz Conference on Sunday 27th October at JW3.
The aftermath of the 7th of October and the war in the southern and northern regions have far-reaching implications for Israel, the Middle East, and the broader international order.
Since 7th October, the UK has assumed a pivotal role, emerging as one of the primary global powers engaged in resolving the crisis and shaping a post-war landscape.
In light of these developments and the new government in the UK, the conference engaged our community, allies, and thought leaders in reflecting on the situation in Israel, Palestine, and the wider region.
There were speakers from across Israeli and UK media, politics, academia, and leadership, including representatives from our grantees, Standing Together, Land for All, Mehazkim, Fake Reporter, and Jerusalem Open House.
Speakers included; Ehud Olmert– Former Israeli Prime Minister, Aluf Benn– Haaretz Editor in Chief, MK Naama Lazimi– Member of the Knesset; Chair of the Knesset’s Youth Committee, and Noa Landau– Haaretz Deputy Editor-in-Chief; Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, Advisory Board Member
Click here to see our Director of Content and Leadership, Atira Winchester, chair a panel on Israeli democracy. See here to watch a live stream of selected sessions from the event.
Protecting Human Rights in a Time of War with Noa Sattath
We were honoured to host Noa Sattath in conversation with Adam Wagner on Sunday, 15th September.
Noa has been executive director of the Association of Civil Rights Israel (ACRI), the oldest and largest civil and human rights organisation, since 2021. She is the former executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) and the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance.
In this time of ongoing war and tension in Israel, and with the most extreme right-wing government at the helm, human rights abuses and threats to democracy and the rule of law pass under the radar. ACRI is at the forefront of protecting minorities whose rights have been severely infringed and ensuring that regulations remain in place.
Click here to learn more about their work.
Click here to watch a recording of the event.
In Conversation with Mikhael Manekin
We were thrilled to host Mikhael Manekin earlier this month for an ‘in conversation’ event with Alona Ferber.
Mikhael is 2023’s Human Rights Award winner and an inspiring and impactful leader, who has worked to advance equality, justice and a safer, shared future for Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs. A published author, Mikhael is also one of the founders of the Faithful Left, who campaign to offer a religious alternative to extremists who profane Judaism.
To read more, see his bio in English here and in Hebrew here.
Their conversation explored the themes of religious extremism, defending democracy, arab-jewish partnership and finding hope and a way forward during the current war.
Click here to watch a recording of the event.
