Friends,

Today is a very difficult day.

While the results from Tuesday’s election may still change it seems likely that the people of Israel have elected the most right-wing government in the country's history, populated by people whose belief in the values and institutions of democracy is, to put it mildly, dubious. It seems like a day when the arc of history has bent away from justice.

We’re all grieving this result. The hurt is real. Today it seems like the values we share – equality, justice and democracy – are farther away than ever.

No one is alone in this moment. We need to remember we have friends and family – both in Australia and Israel – who need our support and who can, in turn, give us support.

While we take a moment to process, it’s important that we have one eye on what happens next.

NIF and our partners will be at the forefront of the movement to push back against those who vilify and marginalise women, the LGBT community, or Palestinians in Israel or the occupied territories, or undermine the judicial system and undermine Israel’s very democracy.

This is the day NIF was built for. 

We are not here to bring about quick miracles. We know the depth of the challenge we face. Our theory of change is a long-term one that requires extraordinary patience, daily perseverance, and ceaseless partnership.

We’ll be coming back to you in the coming weeks and months and sharing stories of how NIF and our partners are on the ground fighting for the soul of the country for which we all care deeply.

The core of our work is not tied to elections – it’s about the marathon, not the sprint, toward an Israel that lives up to its founding values. 

And we can’t do it without you.

Liam Getreu
Executive Director