Open Society Announces a $3.3 Million Emergency Fund for Critical Support in Palestine and Israel

NEW YORK—The Open Society Foundations announced today a $3.3 million emergency funding initiative to provide critical support to their partners and grantees operating in Palestine and Israel as they work tirelessly to protect civilians caught in the horrific crisis.

The funding will be directed toward leading human rights organizations documenting violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and protecting vulnerable communities under attack including Palestinians in the West Bank and inside Israel. 

“As the political and humanitarian crisis unfolds, we are proud to step up our support to our partners. Now more than ever it is vital for donors to remain steadfast in their support to human rights defenders caught in this dire conflict and facing grave challenges,” said Open Society Foundations President Mark Malloch-Brown.

Open Society has joined its partners and international groups in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, provision of aid, and adherence to international humanitarian law—all essential precursors to an urgently needed political solution.

The Open Society Foundations have been working in Israel and Palestine since 1999 with a focus on the rights of minorities in Israel, the rights of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza, and efforts towards reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict.