IDI Statement: Amendment to the Non-profit Organization Law

Professor Mordechai Kremnitzer and Dr. Amir Fuchs of the Israel Democracy Institute continue to oppose an amendment to the Non-profit Organization Law (Duty of Disclosure for those Supported by Foreign State Entities) on grounds that it reduces freedom of association and expression, and is directed at restricting the activities of human rights organizations.

Professor Mordechai Kremnitzer and Dr. Amir Fuchs of the Israel Democracy Institute continue to oppose an amendment to the Non-profit Organization Law (Duty of Disclosure for those Supported by Foreign State Entities) on grounds that it reduces freedom of association and expression, and is directed at restricting the activities of human rights organizations. The law applies solely to organizations that receive financing from "foreign state entities (i.e. foreign countries, the E.U an the UN) and not to those who receive funding from private donors abroad.

In addition to a policy statement that was sent to Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked last month, Kremnitzer and Fuchs released the following statement:

"While the authors of the amendment claim it is aimed at increasing transparency among non-profit organizations whose main funding is from foreign state entities, our research indicates the real purpose of the law is the delegitimization and silencing of civil rights organizations because some of them challenge and criticize governmental policy. Contributions from state entities are, at the current time, primarily given to organizations that are identified with only one side of the political map and thus the bill is an attempt to silence political views."

They continue: "The proposal is likely to damage the functioning of these civil society organizations, which provide many beneficial social service, educational, environmental and women's rights activities."

Kremnitzer and Fuchs also express concern that the current proposal could further harm Israel's image as a democracy and could accelerate international efforts to initiate legal proceedings abroad against Israeli leaders and military commanders.

They conclude: "These non-profit organizations contribute to the image of Israel as a moral country."

To read the full policy statement, click here.