Statement following Cabinet Legislation Committee’s Approval of anti-democratic bills

The leadership of the New Israel Fund is dismayed and disappointed that legislation defunding Israel’s progressive civil society passed the Cabinet today with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s support.  Despite widespread condemnation of these measures specifically designed to destroy Israel’s progressive NGO community, the Cabinet’s dedication to Israeli democracy seems to be only a hasbara soundbite, now sacrificed to fear of dissent and political expediency.

As the leaders of Israel’s progressive civil society, NIF and our allied organizations will continue to fight this legislation as it progresses to the Knesset. If this legislation passes, Israel will become the only Western democracy to outlaw outside funding for NGOs it designates as “political.” We call on all Israelis and lovers of Israel worldwide to reject this latest assault on the values and freedoms maintained by every real democracy.