Funding cut for Zochrot,
The German government has cut off funding for two Israeli human rights organizations, “Zochrot” and “New Profile,” which have criticized Israel’s policies and attacks in the Gaza Strip, media reported on Sunday.
According to Germany’s public international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), this move is part of a broader trend of halting federal funding for human rights organizations that criticize Israeli policies and ongoing attacks in Gaza.
Germany’s funding cut effectively ended the ongoing projects of these organizations by late 2023.
Observers are concerned this move will shrink the space for voices critical of the Israeli government.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Germany has also ceased funding for at least six Palestinian organizations.
Representatives from Zochrot and New Profile argue that the decision is politically motivated and an attempt to silence critical voices during a time when civil society space in Israel is shrinking.
They emphasized that Berlin acted under Tel Aviv’s pressure.
German officials have not provided an official explanation for the sudden cancelation of funding for projects that had been approved or renewed just a year earlier.