“This proposal is yet another attempt to harm Israeli democracy through silencing and intimidation. This legislative memorandum aims to delegitimize human rights organizations, especially those dealing with the rights of Palestinians in the Occupied Territories, Israeli Arabs and refugees. Presenting this proposal as being entirely related to transparency is incorrect and misleading. The State of Israel and many Israeli organizations receive donations of hundreds of millions of euros from foreign countries each year; and only one percent of this amount is sent to organisations engaged in democracy, human rights and coexistence between Jews and Arabs. Furthermore, the proposal does not apply to contributions made by citizens of other countries to NGOs, politicians and other organisations in Israel, even though these donations amount to huge sums and may have an enormous social and political impact. The tag that representatives will have to wear will amount to a serious violation of the freedom of expression in Israel.”
For related material:
https://law.acri.org.il/en/2013/12/19/ngo-bill-dec13/
https://law.acri.org.il/en/2013/07/10/new-ngo-bill/
