Flagship NIF grantee Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) is among five recipients of the prestigious Gruber International Justice Prize for 2011. In making the award, the Gruber Foundation noted "ACRI’s role in protecting and promoting freedom of expression, the right to privacy, freedom of movement, the right to health, the right to adequate housing, and the right to education, and in protecting the rights of discriminated minorities, including Arab citizens of Israel, women, the LGBT community, migrant workers, and Palestinians in the Occupied Territories."

ACRI is only the second Israeli person or organization to win the Gruber Prize, after former Supreme Court Justice Aharon Barak won in 2006.

ACRI President Sammi Michael said, "This prize is a source of optimism and pride to Jews and Arabs who are struggling for social and national justice under difficult circumstances and in a grim atmosphere. On this exciting day I wish to congratulate the volunteers, employees, friends, and supporters of ACRI. This important international recognition encourages all of us to continue our work towards an Israel that is more enlightened and fair for all.”

He added that ACRI was receiving the prize, "In a time of rampant incitement against human rights organizations in Israel, when dark forces are attempting to curtail freedom of expression and to promote racist legislation."

The New Israel Fund leadership and staff enthusiastically applaud our friends and colleagues at ACRI for this significant recognition!