Ensuring civil equality for all citizens of Israel and protection of human rights for everyone under Israeli jurisdiction.

Israel's commitment to civil and human rights is in many ways remarkable, given the nation's continuing security problems, its lack of a written constitution and the diversity of its population. Despite an impressive record under difficult circumstances, however, Israel's human rights challenges are a fact of everyday life.

The New Israel Fund works to ensure the broad enforcement of laws, policies and procedures that promote equality and justice, as well as to expand democracy education, which enhances pluralistic values and fosters an active civil society.

NIF is working to:

• Mobilize strong public support for the enforcement of existing laws, policies and procedures that promote equality and justice;
• Make legal, legislative and administrative remedies available to all citizens;
• Safeguard the legal rights of disadvantaged populations;
• Educate and mentor the next generation of civil rights advocates; and
• Make democratic values and civics an integral part of teacher training and public school curricula.

Recent Accomplishments

• Freedom of choice in marriage
The advocacy of the Forum for Freedom of Choice in Marriage resulted in the establishment of a new Knesset committee to find a solution for Israelis who cannot marry under current law. Because Israel does not permit civil marriage, 300,000 Israelis, mainly new immigrants from the former Soviet Union who are not Jewish or have not been recognised by the Rabbinate as Jewish, have no way to marry.

• Equal pay
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) achieved a precedent-setting ruling in the Beer Sheva District Court on behalf of a female employee who earned a considerably lower salary than her male colleagues. The court’s award represented compensation for the salary differential, distress caused to the employee and legal costs. The judge established a precedent by compelling her previous employer to reveal salary differentials between male and female employees.

• Arab Equality
The Shatil Project for equal access is aimed to advance the rights of Israel’s Arab minority, through the combating of discriminatory policies laws and regulations, as well as to reduce inequality in the provision of basic services to Arab Israelis including those living in mixed Jewish / Arab cities. The project promotes dialogue between Arabs and Jews and develops leadership opportunities for Israel’s most marginalised groups. Specific emphases include empowerment programs for Bedouin women, extracurricular activities for Bedouin youth and educational rights and opportunities for Arab Israelis in the country’s north and south.