Israeli Government Monitored Global Charities
An internal Israeli government document, reportedly obtained by Al Jazeera, reveals that in 2013, Israel compiled a detailed spreadsheet on more than 150 international charities. The file, accessed via an Israeli ministry website, included basic organizational details such as director names, addresses, contact information, and areas of operation. Crucially, a 'comments' column highlighted specific organizations for their perceived positions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with some explicitly labeled for alleged involvement in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Among the organizations mentioned were France-based Premiere Urgence Internationale, noted as a 'critic of Israel,' and Geneva-based Defence for Children International, described as 'involved in anti-Israel campaigning.' Mundubat in Spain was characterized as 'highly involved in BDS,' while Oxfam was listed as 'active in global BDS efforts.' The document also suggested that Oxfam encouraged NGOs to participate in 'violations of international law' by supporting projects in the occupied West Bank without Israeli Civil Administration approval.
Oxfam, in response, stated that the comments 'appear to reflect allegations and interpretations, rather than an objective assessment' of its work. The organization rejected assertions not supported by credible evidence, affirming that it does not support or promote the BDS movement. Oxfam emphasized its commitment to international law and highlighted that Israeli 'settlements violate international humanitarian law.'
Monitoring Beyond Security Concerns
Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli NGO focusing on Palestinian freedom of movement, commented that the document 'has nothing to do with security.' Instead, she suggested it serves as 'further proof that the Israeli government has been tracking the activities of organisations that do life-saving work for Palestinians living under Israel’s brutal occupation for decades.' Gisha itself was not listed in the document.
The spreadsheet was reportedly sourced online from what was then Israel’s Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Social Services, now known as the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. The ministry did not respond to requests for comment regarding the document.
Many of the comments within the document reportedly cited NGO Monitor as their source. NGO Monitor is an Israel-based organization that identifies itself as a nonpartisan research institute. However, its website features campaigns such as 'Mapping the anti-Israel NGO network in the US' and reports asserting that 'Palestinian NGOs deny the very existence of Palestinian terror.' Mayssoun Sukarieh, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, characterized NGO Monitor as a 'right-wing' organization that 'monitors people who are pro-Palestine.'
BDS Movement's Growing Influence in 2013
The document's creation in October 2013 coincided with a period when the BDS movement against Israel was gaining significant traction. This era saw notable events such as physicist Stephen Hawking declining to attend an Israeli conference due to the occupation of Palestine, various student bodies adopting academic boycotts, and Canada's largest Protestant church, the United Church of Canada, initiating a campaign against goods produced in Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.
Experts suggest the file illustrates Israel's methodology for monitoring charities and the BDS movement, predating a 2017 law that barred entry to individuals supporting the campaign. Sukarieh noted that in 2013, 'Israel was starting to feel the bite of BDS,' prompting ministries to cross-reference information on these organizations. She speculated that the data collection might have been a precursor to the 2017 ban on BDS supporters.
Giovanni Fassina, director of the European Legal Support Center, remarked that the list was compiled during a period of heightened activity as Israel passed laws and actively combated BDS. He pointed to a 2011 Israeli law imposing sanctions on entities calling for boycotts of Israeli settlements or Israel itself. Fassina added that Israel has been 'blacklisting' groups and individuals 'for a long time' through networks including organizations like NGO Monitor, suggesting this document represents an early stage of that ongoing process.
Concerns Over Nonviolent Activism
Other charities with comments in the spreadsheet included ACSUR-Las Segovias (Spain), DanChurchAid (Denmark), Diakonia/NAD (Sweden and Norway), Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (Stockholm), Medical Aid for Palestinians (UK), Medico International (Germany), Norwegian Refugee Council, Palestine Solidarity Association of Sweden, Solidarite Socialiste (Belgium), Vento di Terra Onlus (Italy), and World Vision International (UK).
The file specifically noted Tsafrir Cohen, director of Medico International, for writing about BDS campaigns, urging political pressure on Israel, and co-authoring a 2012 report titled 'Trading Away Peace,' which examined Europe's role in sustaining Israeli settlements. Riad Othman of Medico stated that the report 'did not even call for sanctions' and described it as 'rather tame,' suggesting the Israeli reaction reflected an 'overreaction.' He clarified that Medico has not supported or called for boycotts but has publicly defended the right of individuals and groups to advocate for boycotts.
The Palestine Solidarity Association of Sweden, which no longer has a presence in occupied Palestinian territory, acknowledged that Israeli officials closely monitor networks supporting the Palestinian cause, viewing the nonviolent BDS movement as a 'strategic threat.' The document noted that a representative from the Swedish NGO had attempted to deliver aid to Gaza via a flotilla and that the group was 'active in BDS' and 'actively campaigned to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.' A spokesperson for the association proudly affirmed their active involvement in BDS, believing it to be the most effective strategy for realizing Palestinian rights and compelling Israel to adhere to international law.
The relationship between NGOs and Israel has been further scrutinized during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli authorities have reportedly restricted aid access, barred foreign humanitarian workers, and demanded personal details of Palestinian staff from 37 NGOs operating in Gaza. Sukarieh highlighted that international charities have 'always' performed essential work in Palestine, but have faced 'so many restrictions' and 'constant monitoring' from Israel over the years.
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