Larry Garber Meeting

On 9 June, New Israel Fund supporters had the opportunity to meet with Larry Garber, Executive Director of New Israel Fund International. In a lively round-table meeting at Ort House, Larry led the discussion on the challenges facing Israel at this crucial time. Larry was optimistic about Israel's imminent disengagement from Gaza and four settlements in the West Bank, and stressed that as the date approaches, New Israel Fund's role is more important than ever. He explained that New Israel Fund is allocating new grants to organisations that encourage civil dialogue and minimise the prospect for an escalation in violence and incitement within Israel. New Israel Fund is also leading a campaign that counteracts the demagoguery and religious rhetoric of the extremists, and calls upon the democratic values of Israel's founders and the tradition of social justice in Judaism. The meeting allowed New Israel Fund supporters to engage with the challenges before us and to gain insight into the role that New Israel Fund is taking to actively oppose efforts that polarise the country, preclude civil discourse and prevent progress on the path to peace.