Today is international Human Rights Day, when we come together to celebrate the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

Recognising the horrors of the Holocaust, the world enshrined a set of values that would establish the standard for the humane and respectful treatment of all peoples and nations: equality, liberty, freedom of speech and conscience, and more.

Indeed, it is those same values that are embedded within Israel’s Declaration of Independence – that Israel will “will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex” – values that inform NIF’s guiding principles to this day.

Our commitment to Jewish pluralism inside Israel, the fair treatment of Israel’s Palestinian minority, dignity for people seeking asylum and refugees, and combating the rise of extremism and racism is exemplified by the 100s of projects in Israel that NIF supports with millions of dollars each year.

Human Rights Day is a good time to share with you the impact your gift has had this year. Together NIF Australia has contributed more than $350,000 to 17 projects dealing with the full spectrum of human rights and social justice issues in Israel.

Over the next couple of weeks we’ll distribute even more funding to support these worthy organisations.

In seven years NIF Australia has provided more than $2 million to fund projects in Israel, all of which promote equality, diversity and tolerance.

These projects have a tangible impact on Israeli society. While the government continues its assault on democracy and minority groups, and the prospects for peace uncertain, know that NIF is on the ground making sure that the lives of thousands of people are improved.

Thank you for coming to our events, supporting our grantees, and helping to spread our message to the wider Jewish community.