Only five months into 2026, this year is already testing what it means to hold on to hope.
War, extremism, and deepening division continue to shape daily life in Israel, bringing real pain for Israelis and all people in the Middle East. Yet so does the determination of those Israelis working, often against tremendous odds, to build something better.
At the New Israel Fund of Canada, we remain guided by the belief that a just, democratic, and shared society is not only necessary—it is still possible. That belief comes to life every day through the organizations we support.
This year, our funded projects in Israel reflect both the urgency of this year and the long-term work required to transform it.
Right now, we are investing in organizations that are:
- Fighting for shelters in unrecognized Bedouin villages and other vulnerable populations to protect them from incoming missiles amid the Iran war
- Protecting the integrity of Israel’s upcoming election by safeguarding democratic rights especially for Arab parties and voters, challenging misinformation online, and defending against violent intimidation at the polls
- Defending Palestinians in the West Bank from settler violence by documenting and providing legal representation
- Advocating for equality of Palestinian citizens of Israel by litigating discrimination and training young civic leaders
- Educating youth on democratic values by providing teachers across Israel with curricula focusing on human rights and shared society
These efforts are not easy. In today’s climate, they are often met with resistance, hostility, and risk. But they are also indispensable.
As we have seen over the past year, civil society plays a critical role in moments of crisis. It is often the first to respond, the most trusted by communities, and the most committed to a vision that includes everyone.
The organizations you will read about here are doing exactly that: showing up, speaking out, and building the foundations for a more equal and democratic future. They are lawyers defending fundamental rights, educators fostering shared understanding, activists organizing for change, and community leaders ensuring that no one is left invisible.
What we’re funding
Amid the limbo of a shaky ceasefire with Iran that could re-erupt into full-blown violence at any moment, increasing settler attacks in the West Bank, and an upcoming election that hangs in the balance, our 2026 funded projects are confronting the country’s most pivotal issues at a crucial time.
Here is what we are funding this year:
- Adalah: The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel is the leading Israeli Arab civil liberties organization in Israel defending the rights of Palestinian citizens through litigation, particularly against discrimination in urban planning decisions and lack of public services.
- NIF’s Civil Society Protection Hub protects civil society NGOs and leaders who are being intimidated or even physically threatened from operating freely. The Hub offers a wide variety of civil society actors legal assistance, physical and digital security, public relations advice, mental health resources, and other expertise.
- Hamigdalor promotes democratic-liberal civic education by developing curricula and training educators. Our funding this year will support developing high-quality curricula about democracy for 2,500 young Israelis in gap-year programs.
- Breaking the Silence is an organization of veteran combatants who have served in the Israeli military, stimulating public debate about the price paid for a reality in which young soldiers rule over a civilian population and control Palestinians’ everyday lives.
- Haqel: In Defense of Human Rights is an Israeli human rights NGO that uses strategic litigation and on-the-ground legal advocacy to protect Palestinians in the West Bank from land expropriation and displacement.
- aChord: Social Psychology for Social Change is a leader in social psychology research. Our 2026 funding will support research on the Israeli public’s attitudes towards a two-state solution and peacebuilding.
- NIF’s Rawabit (“Connections”) Fellowship is a year-long leadership program designed to support young Palestinians who have the potential to lead social change. This year, our funding will help educate new young Arab Israeli leaders and support their new civic initiatives.
- Women Against Violence (WAV) works to prevent violence against Palestinian women citizens of Israel through shelters, crisis services, and local advocacy. Our project in 2026 convenes and educate local leaders, as well as young people, about ways to prevent violence against women
- Bimkom — Planning and Human Rights strengthens democracy and human rights in the field of special planning and housing policies in the Negev for the 100,000 Bedouin citizens living in unrecognized villages.
You can read more about our 2026 projects here.
Our partners’ work reminds us that even in the most difficult times, there are people choosing courage over despair, and action over indifference.
We are proud to stand with them.
And we are deeply grateful to you—our community of supporters—who make this work possible. Your commitment allows us not only to respond to the present moment, but to invest in the future we still believe in.
Because even now, especially now, that future is worth building.