New Israel Fund’s emergency grants
In this time of conflict, the New Israel Fund, the leading organisation supporting civil society in Israel, is giving additional funds from its Emergency Grants Program to five Israeli organisations to support marginalised groups in Israel deal with rocket attacks and to combat intolerance.
New Israel Fund Australia Foundation President Irving Wallach said: “The ongoing conflict is devastating to civilians and is particularly so for those already living on the fringes of society. Protecting and empowering marginalised communities is what NIF does.”
On Wednesday, NIF established a situation room in its offices in Jerusalem to be able to quickly respond to the needs of those who may otherwise be overlooked. So far, five emergency grants have been distributed to aid organisations to maintain their operations, and to create special programs for those who have been particularly affected by the rocket attacks.
Wallach said: “After the horrific murders of innocent Israeli and Palestinian teenagers, it is crucial that efforts to bring Jewish and Arab Israelis together are continued in order to promote coexistence and harmony. NIF’s work will lay the groundwork for healing after this period of conflict has ended.”
NIF emergency grants given in the last few days include:
Neve Shalom, a cooperative Jewish-Palestinian village – to pay for transportation costs to bring Jewish residents from Kfar Sabba to the Arab town of Tira.Every Shabbat there is an open market in Tira which is generally visited by about 5,000 every week. Due to the current tension, there is a concern that the Jewish public will avoid the market. The Mayors of Kfar Sabba and Tira are collaborating with the initiative and both of them will speak at the event- Forum for Immigrant Families – to allow this organisation serving the Russian-speaking population in Israel to open a hotline staffed by professional therapists, to serve Russian speaking families living under threat of rocket attack.
- Jerusalem Movement – to help pay for refreshments for children who are bussed to Jerusalem from the south of Israel for a day of relaxation and fun away from the rocket attacks. A complete list of this week’s emergency grants can be seen at www.nif.org.au/emergency – this page will be updated as the situation develops. In just the last year, as a way of reacting to important developments in Israeli society, NIF has given emergency grants to groups like Women of the Wall, when their efforts for pluralism were being challenged, and to groups representing African asylum seekers to assist their efforts to bring their agenda into the public discourse.
When I read the article I thought it a little strange that NIF took credit for 5 emergency grants but only told us about 3. So Liam and Irving why have you not told us that grantee 4 is B’Tselem?
Yes B’Tselem, the body whose sole purpose in life is to critique and thus hamper Israel’s defensive operations. As a nod to the appreciation Israelis have for B’Tselem’s efforts, NIF has also designated emergency funds for extra security at B’Tselem’s offices (not kidding).
I have not yet found out about number five, Liam or Irving are you prepared to tell us ?
NIF only funds Israeli organisations, run by Israelis and registered with the Israeli government. These emergency grants benefit Israelis under fire. Irving Wallach, President NIF Australia.
David, how could you possibly say that providing counselling services to Russian-speaking Israelis living under rocket fire is hostile to the government? This is *supporting* the government’s efforts to protect its citizens.
NIF works AGAINST the interests of Israel and the Israeli government.
Very deceptive and its funds have been suspected of going to organisations hostile to Israeli interests.
I too would like to know the basis of your accusations if you don’t mind David.
Off line if you like, through Admin. so as to not scandalize, which no-one needs at this point in time and joint effort.