Germany has withdrawn its funding from two Israeli human rights organizations, Zochrot and New Profile, which focus on anti-militarization and Palestinian rights. Despite efforts from the aid group Kurve Wustrow to appeal through meetings and statements from the organizations, German officials made their decision final in mid-December, leaving Kurve’s director, John Preuss, feeling exhausted and frustrated. This defunding marks a troubling first for the organization, which has partnered with groups in various countries for years.
Investigations reveal that this funding cut is part of a broader trend by Germany to reduce support for human rights organizations that criticize Israeli policies, particularly after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. At least six Palestinian organizations have also seen their funding canceled, suggesting political motivations behind the moves, with sources indicating that they were taken under pressure from Israel.
New Profile and Zochrot have been active for around two decades, promoting accountability for historical injustices and providing support to conscientious objectors, respectively. The cut in support has led Zochrot to lose approximately €100,000, a severe blow to its activities. Their representatives noted that despite the funding loss, they will continue their advocacy.
Both organizations faced increased scrutiny, following a German parliament resolution that blurred lines between criticism of Israel’s government and antisemitism. This change has led to more stringent checks on funding eligibility, particularly targeting organizations that might support movements like BDS or criticize Israel heavily. Many in civil society see the growing restrictions as a dangerous trend fueled by rising right-wing politics in Israel.
Sources report this recent defunding of eight organizations indicates Germany’s alignment with the current Israeli government’s stance, further squeezing civil society’s ability to operate within Israeli borders. Critics argue that this action risks silencing vital dialogues, with some NGOs describing Germany’s actions as participation in oppression. Zochrot’s director stated emphatically that the government’s actions suppress dissent and contravene its own history.
Germany has ceased funding for two Israeli human rights organizations, Zochrot and New Profile, as part of a larger pattern affecting multiple NGOs critical of Israeli policy. The funding cuts come amid rising political pressures following attacks by Hamas and reflect an increasingly restrictive environment for civil society organizations. Critics warn that these actions undermine rights advocacy and suppress dissent in the region.
The defunding of Zochrot and New Profile by Germany symbolizes a significant shift in foreign aid policy towards organizations critical of Israel’s government. This trend reflects increasing political pressures that potentially silence crucial advocacy for Palestinian rights and human rights more broadly. The repercussions of these decisions may stifle dissent and raise moral questions about the foundations and implications of international support, especially given Germany’s historical context.
Germany’s withdrawal of funding from Zochrot and New Profile underscores a worrying trend in its foreign policy, where the balance of support for critical civil society organizations has shifted sharply amid geopolitical tensions. With rising right-wing politics in Israel and increased scrutiny over humanitarian organizations, the space for dissent is shrinking, leading to broader implications for civil rights and advocacy in the region. This political atmosphere has intensified following the October 2023 attacks, resulting in a significant re-evaluation of which organizations receive support. The organizations affected have long histories of promoting human rights and accountability, yet the German government now appears to impose ideological restraints linked to criticisms of Israeli actions. The funding cuts come at a time when voices within Israeli and Palestinian civil society are increasingly muted, raising concerns about freedom of expression and active advocacy in conflict areas. The complex relationship between Germany and Israel, particularly regarding Germany’s historical responsibilities, further complicates these dynamics, leading some to question the moral implications of cutting funding to organizations advocating for Palestinian rights.
Original Source: www.dw.com
