Civil & Human Rights
Israel’s Declaration of Independence says: “Israel will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or gender; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.” NIF supports groups and projects working to fulfil this vision. From women’s and LGBT rights, to the relationship between synagogue and state, to protecting the rights of Jewish and non-Jewish minorities, NIF has founded, funded, trained or otherwise supported every significant human and civil rights organisation in Israel.
Securing Health Care Rights for Asylum Seekers
Last week, in an unprecedented visit, Israel’s new Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz traveled to the Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) clinic for asylum seekers in Jaffa. This was the first time that a sitting Minister of Health had ever toured the premises of a PHRI facility. The organisation was founded in 1988. Horowitz and fellow Meretz MK Michal Rozin discussed the issue of reducing health service gaps in Israel.
August 2021
Victory for LGBTQ Families
In mid-July, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled the surrogacy ban on same-sex couples and single men unconstitutional and ordered the state to lift it within six months. The court rejected the government’s claim that passing a law allowing surrogacy for same-sex couples and single men was politically ‘unfeasible.’
July 2021
Standing in Solidarity with Sheikh Jarrah
Dozens of Israelis marched through the streets of Jerusalem in June to the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in solidarity with the Palestinian residents who face eviction from their homes. The march was organised by NIF grantee Omdim Beyachad (Standing Together), Israel’s Jewish-Arab grass roots movement, as well as other social change organisations.
July 2021
Defending Freedom of Expression
NIF grantee Association for Civil Rights in Israel exposes how Israeli Police use defamation suits to stifle public criticism of police brutality.
May 2021