European Commission outlines new guidelines for 2007 NGO funding
On March 29, 2007, European Commission representatives presented a workshop in Tel Aviv 
to NGO representatives regarding its new NGO funding mechanisms EIDHR II, and the “Non-State Actors” program. These mechanisms replace the previous EIDHR program. Under the new initiative more than 60% of funding (over €200 million) will go directly to NGOs. Under EIDHR II, there will be an emphasis on “support to human rights defenders.” Available funding to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs for 2007 is expected to be in excess of €3 million. Attendees at the workshop included representatives of B’tselem, Yesh Din, PCATI, HRA, Mossawa, and Bimkom.
At the workshop, an NGO Monitor representative asked how the Commission plans to ensure that EU funds distributed via EIDHR II will not be utilized to fund politicized NGOs, such as ICAHD, who undermine EU policies. In response, officials present at the meeting stated that the EU “funds projects, not organizations” and that “NGO Independence” is a key component of EIDHR II. NGO Monitor will continue to report on implementation.
It’s a mystery to me why NGO Monitor used the term ‘politicized NGO’ as if there is some kind of contradiction. Many NGOs have political agendas, including strongly Zionist organizations as well as critics of Israeli policies such as ICAHD. We do not hide our political agenda, and are proud of the influence we have gained in many circles. Our goal, as always, is for a just peace between Israel and Palestine, and the development of democracy, security and the pursuit of a good life for all the inhabitants between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River. We do not, as stated in NGO Monitor reports, support any particular solution to the conflict. One state, two states, or five states living in harmony and democracy would be equally acceptable.
NGO Monitor, of course, is also a political NGO, promoting Zionist ideology and policies. We at ICAHD have no problem with their right to have an agenda. Please also respect our right to promote an alternative vision of the future.
All the best,
Fred Schlomka
Board Member
Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions
NGO MONITOR RESPONDS: Friend Fred — look at the facts, and your mystery disappears.
1) ICAHD is funded by the European Union using taxpayer funds under the “Partners for Peace” framework.
2) The EU officially supports the two-state solution, meaning recognition of the right of the Jewish people to sovereign equality (Zionism), and a Palestinian state that accepts Israel.
3) ICAHD and your leader Jeff Halper use these funds in supporting the rhetoric of incitement (“apartheid”) and Palestinian campaigns for a “one state solution”, meaning without Israel. Halper tours the world using these donations, promoting anti-Israel boycotts and appearing with Naim Ateek who heads Sabeel and uses anti-Semitic themes, such as referring to “the Israeli government crucifixion system”. On October 26-27, Halper is scheduled to join Ateek in Boston for a Sabeel conference on “The Apartheid Paradigm in Palestine-Israel”.
4) This demonization indicates that the “alternative future” promoted by Ateek, Halper, the ICAHD is one without Zionism and Israel.
5) Perhaps EU officials can explain the logic of funding NGOs that campaign against their own policy.