Human & Civil Rights
Equality for Every Citizen and Human Rights for All
NIFC works to realize Israel’s founding ideal of complete equality for all Israeli citizens, and to protect the human rights of all under Israeli authority – including asylum seekers, migrant workers, and Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.
Over the past decade, respect in Israel for democracy and human rights has declined, both among government leaders and many segments of the public. Israel’s world ranking according to measures of rights and freedoms continues to fall.
Our strategies for this issue focus on reversing restrictions on freedom of speech and expression, which underpin vibrant public debate on all issues. A second focus aims to end over 50 years of occupation by keeping the issue on the public agenda, even when it is unpopular.
Examples of recently-funded projects include the Association for Civil Rights in Israel’s legal defense for victims of economic discrimination, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel’s medical clinic for asylum seekers and refugees, and Ir Amim’s monitoring of Palestinian human rights in East Jerusalem.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)
Litigation and Media Outreach to Protect and Defend Human and Social Rights in Israel
ACRI is the leading organization protecting human and social rights in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This year, safeguarding human rights in Israel is especially important following a year of attacks on democracy and civil liberties by the extremist Israeli government, attacks which have only intensified since October 7 and the consequent state of emergency. In 2024, this project will offer education and legal guidance to potentially hundreds of thousands of Israelis through ACRI’s hotline and legal assistance.
Breaking the Silence
Educating Young People on the Occupation
Breaking the Silence is an organization of veteran combatants who have served in the Israeli military. They work to stimulate public debate about the price paid for a reality in which young soldiers rule over a civilian population and control Palestinians’ everyday lives. For most young Jewish Israelis, discussion of the occupation is absent from Israel’s education system; military service will be their first encounter with Palestinian and the reality of the occupation. In 2024, this project will educate students and educators about human rights in the Occupied Territories in both formal and informal settings, such as youth group chapters and high schools.
FakeReporter
Exposing the Mechanisms Behind Malicious Online Activity
FakeReporter exposes malicious online activity aimed at democratic systems, inauthentic influence campaigns, fraud, hate speech, incitement, conspiracies, and lies. FakeReporter exposes the mechanisms and actors behind online malicious activity, assists activists and organizations under attack, increases the accountability of tech companies and involvement of civil servants, as well as provides real time crisis response. In 2024, this project will research online malicious activity, assist victims suffering harassment, and publish information for the public and authorities.
Yesh Din
Law Enforcement on Settler Violence
FakeReporter exposes malicious online activity aimed at democratic systems, inauthentic influence campaigns, fraud, hate speech, incitement, conspiracies, and lies. FakeReporter exposes the mechanisms and actors behind online malicious activity, assists activists and organizations under attack, increases the accountability of tech companies and involvement of civil servants, as well as provides real time crisis response. In 2024, this project will research online malicious activity, assist victims suffering harassment, and publish information for the public and authorities.
Israeli Police Detained a Man and Cut Up his Kippah. NIF’s Civil Society Protection Hub Stepped In.
Two weeks ago, Alex Sinclair, a lecturer at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was detained by the police and thrown into jail. His crime? Publicly expressing his vision for a better, more peaceful future for all Israelis and Palestinians. He did this by walking out...
Director’s Note: What We’re Funding in Israel in 2026
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...
Young NIFC Leaders Raise Funds for Bedouin Communities Lacking Bomb Shelters
During Passover, members of our New Gen community gathered for a seder organized by the NIFC New Gen Leadership Council. Using a Haggadah put together by Council member Alex Richler, they read the story of Passover, ate good food, and enjoyed good company. The seder...
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