Germany Cuts Funding for Two Israeli Human Rights Organizations

In a significant policy shift, the German government has withdrawn funding from two Israeli human rights organizations, Zochrot and New Profile. This decision follows a pattern of defunding Palestinian NGOs and has raised concerns among observers regarding the implications for civil society and critical voices in Israel.

Over the past months, German officials engaged in discussions with Kurve Wustrow, an aid organization attempting to secure continued support for its projects with Zochrot and New Profile. Despite efforts including personal meetings and detailed responses to inquiries, the German authorities confirmed in mid-December their decision to terminate funding, leaving Kurve Wustrow's leadership frustrated and powerless.

This is the first instance of the German government defunding ongoing projects with Kurve Wustrow, which has partnered with various organizations across countries facing conflict. The lack of a formal explanation from German officials regarding the funding cuts has further added to the uncertainty.

Following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, German politicians have reiterated their commitment to Israel's security, leading to a broader context of defunding organizations critical of Israeli policies. Reports indicate that the cuts to Zochrot and New Profile are part of a systematic reduction in federal support for human rights groups that challenge Israeli government actions.

The German Foreign Affairs Ministry has denied allegations of acting under Israeli pressure, asserting that it continues to support numerous NGOs in Israel and the Palestinian territories that critique occupation policies. However, the work of Zochrot and New Profile has become increasingly contentious under the current Israeli government.

Zochrot, which translates to 'Remembering' in Hebrew, is dedicated to raising awareness about the Nakba--the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict--and advocates for the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants. The organization has faced substantial financial losses due to the funding cuts, which constituted a significant portion of its budget.

New Profile, on the other hand, is a grassroots movement that assists conscientious objectors in Israel, where military service is mandatory. The organization has reported a surge in requests for support from individuals seeking to avoid military service amid ongoing military operations. The cuts have resulted in a drastic reduction of their funding, complicating their ability to operate during a critical time.

Both organizations had long-standing partnerships with German development agencies, and their work had previously not raised concerns among German authorities. The recent funding cuts are viewed as indicative of a growing trend towards restricting support for critical civil society organizations in Israel.

The German government's recent policy changes have been interpreted by many as aligning with the current Israeli government's stance, particularly in light of increased scrutiny of NGOs in the region. Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostilities, German funding policies have shifted to become more restrictive, withdrawing support from at least eight organizations, many of which had previous government backing.

The decision to defund these organizations is emblematic of a broader strategy perceived by some as an attempt to stifle dissent and diminish the space available for critical voices in Israeli society. Analysts suggest that the German government's actions reflect a concerning trend towards increasingly limited support for human rights advocacy, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.