Israel Revives Funding Ban for Leftist NGOs
Image by getty images
The Knesset is once again attempting to restrict foreign donations to certain nongovernmental organizations: MK Ayelet Shaked, chairwoman of the Habayit Hayehudi Knesset faction, submitted a new bill on this subject on Tuesday.
According to the bill, groups that call for boycotting Israel or for indicting Israel Defense Force soldiers in international tribunals are among those that would be restricted in raising funds from foreign sources, as would individuals identified with such groups.
It would be enough for a single paid employee of an organization, or someone who sits on its board, to call for a boycott of Israel to apply the restrictions, the bill states.
The bill would limit the funding such groups could obtain from a “foreign political entity” to NIS 20,000 a year. In addition to calling for a boycott or sanctions against Israel and calling for soldiers to be tried in international tribunals, the bill cites three other actions that would spark the restrictions: rejecting Israel’s existence as a Jewish and democratic state, incitement to racism, and support for armed struggle against Israel by an enemy country or a terror group.
In November 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu froze two similar bills.
For more, go to Haaretz
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
