Debra V. --
The news from Israel last week was devastating. I've been in constant touch with our colleagues in Israel and I can tell you that most Israelis are heartbroken by the two acts of violence -- the arson in the West Bank that killed 18-month-old Ali Dawabsha and the stabbings at the Jerusalem Pride Parade that killed Shira Banki -- and are also bracing themselves for the possibility that there might be yet more violence ahead.
NIF exists to build a better Israel and to support Israelis committed to promoting democracy and equality. The events of the past few days demonstrate just how vital this work is.
Allow me to share a quick sense of the work our partners have done in the few days since these attacks:
(1) Tag Meir -- a coalition representing religious and secular Israelis -- has become the go-to organization for Israelis who want to stand up and be counted in their opposition to acts of violence committed by extremists.
On Friday, Tag Meir organized a large vigil in Jerusalem. They prayed for the healing of the injured. And they called for the authorities to take immediate action.
On Sunday, the group brought over a hundred Israelis to pay a condolence visit to the West Bank village of Douma and to the extended family of the firebomb victims. Visitors offered prayers for the victims and hope for a future marked by equality instead of hatred.
(2) The Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance -- a pillar of the Israeli gay rights movement -- held a major demonstration in Jerusalem's Zion Square on Saturday under the banner "Love Always Wins."
President Reuven Rivlin spoke at the rally. He challenged all Israelis to engage in a moment of national self-reflection as a first step to guide Israel back to a place where violence and extremism are more forcefully rejected. I encourage you to read a translation of his powerful speech
here.
(3) Molad -- a think tank committed to progressive values -- published a report on Friday exposing government funding for organizations that have voiced support for "Price Tag" attacks. Bringing this information to light is a key step in drying up the Netanyahu government's funding for extremist groups.
We all hope that the violence of the last week will not recur. At the same time, we all know that it's going to take a great deal of work -- including efforts by Israel's civil society organizations -- to sustain a powerful groundswell of support for an inclusive, more tolerant society.
Israel could very well be at a tipping point right now, and the radicals know it. Israelis who have spoken up against ultra-nationalist extremism are coming under tremendous personal pressure. President Rivlin's office contacted police over the death threats he has received. We, too, at NIF have had to take extra steps to protect our staff in light of some of the
threats we've received.
While we take these threats seriously, you should know that our staff in Israel is working through it all to make real our vision of Israel as a truly shared society where every person and every culture matters.
At its most basic level, NIF is a partnership of individuals who care about Israel and who pool our resources to support Israelis at the frontlines of the struggle for a better Israel. We and our allies are organizing to build an alternative to Israel's drift toward nationalist extremism.
Together, this partnership builds an Israel where racism is never condoned, an Israel where hate crimes are punished, an Israel that lives up to the best of Jewish and humanistic values.
I am inspired by the work taking place in Israel. And I am also amazed by the response from the network of NIF supporters around the globe. Hundreds of individuals have made donations to NIF since news broke of Thursday's dreadful events.
If you feel moved to join them and to support the work being done to promote a better Israel, you can do so here.
Thank you for being part of this partnership.
Daniel Sokatch, CEO
New Israel Fund
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