Berlin: The German government has decided to halt funding for two Israeli human rights organizations, "Zochrot" and "New Profile," which have been critical of Israel's policies and actions in the Gaza Strip.
According to Anadolu Agency, this move reflects a broader trend of Germany withdrawing federal funding from human rights organizations that critique Israeli policies and the ongoing situation in Gaza. This decision has effectively ended ongoing projects of these organizations by late 2023. Observers express concern that this action will limit the space for voices critical of the Israeli government.
Since October 7, 2023, Germany has also stopped funding at least six Palestinian organizations. Representatives from Zochrot and New Profile argue that the funding cut is politically motivated and an effort to silence dissenting voices, especially during a period when civil society space in Israel is diminishing. They claim that Berlin acted under pressure from Tel Aviv.
German officials have not provided an explanation for the abrupt cancellation of funds for projects that were approved or renewed just a year earlier.
Zochrot, which means 'Remember' in Hebrew, is focused on raising awareness about the Nakba, the term used to describe the displacement of Palestinians during and after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The organization also campaigns for the right of return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, a demand opposed by the Israeli government. Zochrot Director Rachel Beitarie revealed that discussions with German officials prior to the funding cut stressed Germany's historical responsibility to support Israel. The organization lost about a quarter of its budget, approximately $103,000, due to the funding cut, but Beitarie emphasized their commitment to continue their work.
New Profile, a volunteer-based movement, supports individuals at risk of imprisonment for refusing mandatory military service in Israel. The organization stated that Germany's decision cost them nearly half of their funding. In a detailed statement to the German government, New Profile highlighted that their activities for conscientious objectors comply with Israeli law. Sergeiy Sandler of New Profile stated that the timing of the funding cut seemed intended to maximize harm to their efforts, and the organization is now seeking alternative funding sources.
Both organizations have received development aid through various German partners for nearly two decades without prior issues from German authorities. Beitarie believes Israeli government pressure significantly influenced Germany's funding decision. Germany routinely reviews its federal funds for development cooperation and humanitarian aid, with regions affected by conflict and unrest receiving particular attention. However, the situation with Israel and Palestinian territories has become more complex.
In November 2024, the German Parliament passed a resolution linking public donations to a controversial definition of antisemitism. Critics argue that this resolution conflates criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism.
The decision to cut off funding is seen as aligning Berlin with the current Israeli government. Michael Sfard, an Israeli lawyer who defends civil society organizations, noted that Germany's decision coincides with a period of shrinking space for critical voices in Israel. He views the funding restrictions as part of a strategy by the Israeli government to suppress opposition. Zochrot's Beitarie accused the German government of complicity in repression, while New Profile's Sandler questioned Germany's role in imposing Israeli government ideologies on its citizens.
In response, the German Foreign Ministry denied accusations of following Israel's lead to suppress criticism, stating that Berlin continues to fund many organizations critical of Israel's occupation policies. Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties, the German government maintains its stance amidst international legal actions against Israeli leaders for war crimes.