Germany has withdrawn its financial support for two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, Zochrot and New Profile, amid increasing pressure regarding its aid policies. The decision, finalized in December 2023, is part of a broader shift by Germany to reduce funding for groups critical of Israeli government policies, particularly in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Both Zochrot, which advocates for Palestinian rights and the recognition of the Nakba, and New Profile, which supports conscientious objectors to military service, had long received funding from German development partners. However, the German government has now ceased support, citing concerns about the political implications of their work. Zochrot lost roughly €100,000, about a quarter of its budget, while New Profile’s funding was halved. The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied that the decision was influenced by external pressure, including from Israel, but many observers suggest otherwise.
The move reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on civil society organizations critical of Israel, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel. This defunding of Zochrot and New Profile, both of which have controversial positions within Israel, follows similar actions taken against Palestinian organizations. Critics argue that these cuts reflect a desire to silence voices opposed to Israeli policies and a growing reluctance to support organizations that challenge Israeli actions in the region.
Germany’s policies have become more restrictive, with the introduction of new criteria that link public funding to adherence to a controversial definition of antisemitism. This includes stipulations that prohibit support for groups that engage in activities such as promoting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement or denying Israel’s right to exist.
The decision to defund these Israeli groups, and the broader pattern of withdrawing support for critical organizations, signals the shrinking space for civil society advocacy in both Israel and Palestine amid the ongoing conflict.
This is a laudable move considering the fact that the conflict has been fuelled and encouraged by parties who instead of providing an unbiased and uniformed front in condemning both sides and all acts of violent, aggravation or war are instead busy apportioning blame and taking sides in a conflict that has taken uncountable lives over the years.
Image: Human rights by Nick Youngson CC-BY-SA-3.0
