This year has been tough for Israeli civil society, but they still stood firm for our shared values: democracy, equality, and peace.
In fact even amid political turmoil, war, and deep social challenges, your giving fueled these Israeli partners to fight relentlessly and accomplish these achievements in dark times:
- Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Times of War
We funded two legal aid hotlines, operated by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and the Israel Women’s Network (IWN), helped more than 5,000 callers advocate for their rights in 2025. ACRI’s hotline assisted vulnerable individuals denied essential government services, while IWN supported women unlawfully denied the government benefits afforded to men. Together, these services protected thousands of families from falling further into hunger, poverty, and indignity.
- Tracking Public Opinion and Democratic Will
Public sentiment in Israel continued to shift dramatically this year. Polling conducted by the aChord Center this year found that 72 percent of Israelis want to see the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rule. Over the year, this public opinion research lab released four major studies highlighting widespread opposition to the current government, strong public support for hostage deals, and growing backing for a two-state solution — offering critical data for policymakers, advocates, and the international community.
- Advancing Peace and Regional Stability
With your support, Mitvim: The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies continued its research demonstrating ways to end this war and achieve safety. Mitvim’s security and foreign policy experts outlined credible pathways to security, regional stability, and long-term peace.
- Protecting Communities
Bimkom: Planners for Planning Rights achieved a significant victory by helping block an Israeli government plan to expand the southern city of Dimona by constructing 8,000 homes on the land of Ras Jraba, an unrecognized Bedouin village home to 500 residents. The intervention protected the village from displacement and upheld the principle of equitable planning.
Bimkom also played a central role — alongside other NIF grantees — in advocating for southern towns that were initially excluded from government reconstruction funding after October 7. Working with the Mizrahi Collective and the Adva Center, Bimkom helped secure over $400 million in funding and ensured equal reconstruction support for cities such as Ashkelon, Ofakim, and Netivot, bringing them in line with communities closer to Gaza.
- Accountability for Human Rights Violations
In the West Bank, your giving fueled Yesh Din’s field researchers to document 119 testimonies from Palestinian victims and other witnesses of human rights violations across 65 separate cases in 2025. This meticulous work directly led to 26 new court filings by Yesh Din’s legal team, strengthening efforts to hold violent settlers accountable and uphold the rule of law.
- Amplifying Israeli Voices for Peace
More than 11,000 people attended or livestreamed the Haaretz Conference in Toronto, organized in partnership with Haaretz and JSpace. The landmark event brought Israeli civil society leaders and opposition politicians to Canada, showcasing broad Israeli support for ending the war in Gaza and advancing a future rooted in peace, democracy, and equality for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
- Humanitarian Leadership in a Time of Crisis
In response to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, NIFC raised $91,000 for World Central Kitchen and became the first mainstream Canadian Jewish organization to mobilize funds for this effort. Over the past two years, NIF supporters worldwide have raised more than $4.8 million for life-saving humanitarian aid to Gazans – and demonstrating that it’s possible to care for both the hostages and Gazans at the same time.
- Protecting Civil Society and Activists
NIF’s Civil Society Protection Hub defended more than 100 individuals and organizations over the past year. Its work included thwarting online attacks against activists, supporting those protecting Palestinians from settler violence, and defending progressive NGOs facing political and legal harassment — helping ensure that civil society can continue to operate safely and effectively.
- Investing in the Next Generation of Leadership
Your giving is also growing a new generation of Palestinian citizens to become active leaders. Since its launch in 2022, NIF’s Rawabit fellowship has trained 40 young Palestinian leaders to grow their skills and build new networks towards full equality for Arab Israelis, laying the groundwork for long-term social and political change.
Next Year Will Be Another Tough Year – But You Can Help
Together, these achievements tell the story of a year marked by Jewish-Arab partnership, commitment to peace, and courage against all odds. Their work is made possible by the generosity of people like you.
Looking ahead into next year, this extremist Israeli government is continuing its march to dismantle democratic institutions, deepen annexation of the West Bank, and expand religious control over the lives of everyday Israelis.
This is a vision that we and most Israelis oppose – ours is a vision of equality, democracy, and safety for Israelis and Palestinians alike. That is why next year we’re doubling down on funding more brave, determined Israelis who share our values. They can’t do it without you.
If you have recently donated, we are so thankful for your giving and for the incredible generosity of thousands more like you around the world.