New Israel Fund Statement on the Recent Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

NIF’s mandate is to strengthen Israel’s democracy and to promote freedom, justice and equality for all its citizens. We believe that Israel’s strength depends as much on its commitment to democratic principles as on its ability to defend itself against physical and military threats.

We have therefore maintained our policy of not taking positions on military and security matters. It goes without saying that Israel has the right to protect its citizens against attack, but we have been concerned about the number of civilian casualties, as well as the short and long-term consequences of the current conflict on the prospects for Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.  So now that there is a ceasefire we join in the call for an expeditious resumption of serious diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

During the active conflict, New Israel Fund was intensely active on the ground in Israel and now continues working in its aftermath.

As was true during and after the 2006 Lebanon War, many members of the New Israel Fund family are actively involved in assisting the most vulnerable Israeli citizens, both Jewish and Arab, particularly when extreme tensions and anxiety have affected many parts of Israeli society.

We are also continuing to nurture the foundation for shared living between Jews and Arabs in Israel and to do all we can to support Israel in the manner most consistent with our mission and values.  Promoting an inclusive and cohesive society is critical to Israel’s prosperity and survival.

Nicholas Saphir, as NIF’s new Chairman, recently spent 8 days in Israel, travelling from Akko in the North to Beer Sheva in the South.  He met with our NIF colleagues working in Israel and with numerous organisations and activists, discussing issues, needs and activities underway to help relieve emotional stress and physical needs among Israelis.

We believe that a deeper understanding of the complexity of the situation in Israel – a country in active conflict at a time of unrelated economic hardship – needs to be reflected in our reconsidered plans for 2009.

We will share our considerations with all our supporters following a full evaluation of the needs of Israel to rebuild and develop social justice and civil society after the conflict.  In the meantime we would be pleased to hear any of your views.