What Just Happened in Israel

Israel is going to new elections later this year. What just happened? Only 50 days after Israel’s April 9 elections, at midnight Israel-time on Wednesday, May 29, the 21st Knesset voted to dissolve itself — forcing new elections before a new government was even formed. This is a first in Israel’s history.

Kahanist Politician Banned from Running in Elections

A racist politician was disqualified for his ideology. We will be vigilant about the other like-minded politicians who may rise to power.

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Kahanism Has No Place in the Knesset

Israelis and people around the world have mobilized against the return of Kahanists to the political arena.

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The Collapse of the Anti-Democratic “Loyalty in Culture” Bill

On every issue that we work on — from human rights, to social justice, to religious freedom — NIF partners with Israelis who champion our values. This case was no exception. And while some want to “blame” NIF for this legislative flop, the credit belongs to a wide coalition of Israelis who stood up against this proposed government censorship.

Back to School for Breaking the Silence

A law intended to bar the organization from speaking at Israeli schools did not stop Avner Gvaryahu from accepting an invitation to speak about the occupation at a Tel Aviv high school.

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WATCH: The Next Battle for Israeli Democracy

A discussion on trends from the most recent Knesset session and how progressive Israelis are organizing to defend democracy in the days ahead. With Libby Lenkinski, NIF’s VP for Public Engagement, Daniel Sokatch, NIF’s CEO, Mickey Gitzin, NIF’s Israel Director, and Debbie Gild-Hayo, Advocacy Director at the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.

A Public Housing Victory

Single mothers will benefit in particular from the new housing plan unveiled by the housing minister.

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NIF CEO on Anti-Filming Bill: Tyrants Restrict the Rights of People to Record What Happens Around Them; Democracies Don’t

Israel’s Cabinet is expected to vote on a bill on Sunday which calls for up to 10-year jail terms for anyone who distributes video or audio footage of IDF Soldiers. In Israel, as elsewhere in the world, video footage of police and military activity has become part of how citizens can blow the whistle on wrongdoing by authorities.

The Battle for Israel’s Courts

The override bill would weaken the power of the High Court and the system of checks and balances in Israel.

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Legislative Alert: Two Bills That Really Matter

The Nation-State bill and the High Court bill—both threats to Israeli democracy—will be on the agenda when the Knesset reconvenes next week.

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