Bereaved Families Blast German Funding of ‘Far-Left NGOs’ as Merkel Arrives in Israel

“Over the past several years, Germany alone has funded 34 political organizations in Israel, all of whom are affiliated with the far-left,” stated a letter to the outgoing chancellor penned by the Choosing Life Forum of Bereaved Families.

By United with Israel Staff

As outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Israel Sunday for a farewell visit, a group of more than 120 bereaved families sent a letter blasting Germany’s funding of “far-left political organizations” in Israel.

The letter was penned by the Choosing Life Forum of Bereaved Families.

Activists from the Zionist NGO Im Tirtzu holding signs reading “Germany: stop funding political NGOs in Israel” also staged a demonstration outside the King David Hotel in Jerusalem where Merkel is staying.

“Over the past several years, Germany alone has funded 34 political organizations in Israel, all of whom are affiliated with the far-left,” stated the letter, which was written in German, English, and Hebrew.

“From 2012 – 2021, Germany has provided these organizations with NIS 84, 204, 316 (22.5 million euro) – a tremendous sum, especially by Israeli standards.”

According to the letter, Germany funds these organizations through both direct and indirect funding via the German Foreign Ministry and governmental organizations, respectively. These Israeli organizations promote the BDS movement, work to exert international pressure on Israel, work to change Israel’s immigrations policies, and even work to change Israel’s policy against terrorism by means of legal and international pressure.

“Seventeen percent of the 22.5 million euro funded by Germany to these radical groups has gone toward organizations that provide legal protection to murderous terrorists and their family members in Israeli courts.  These organizations include HaMoked, Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and Adalah. For example, in recent years “HaMoked” has provided legal protection for 81 terrorists and their families. These terrorists are responsible for the murder of 77 people,” the letter said.

Furthermore, “Today, every potential terrorist knows that regardless of how many Israelis he will murder, he will receive top-line legal defense courtesy of the German taxpayer. Furthermore, Germany also provides funding to the Palestinian Authority, which infamously provides monthly salaries to terrorists for murdering Israelis. Thus, unwitting German citizens are being taken advantage of to promote terrorism.”

The letter concluded:  “In short, the government of Germany is working subversively and undemocratically to change the character of another democratic state – a state that provides more human rights than any other in the Middle East – by funding domestic organizations that openly work to undermine it.

“The hard-earned tax money of German citizens would be better spent on their own welfare, not on fueling the flames of the conflict in another country.”

Bennett Welcomes ‘Dear Friend of Israel’

“Welcome to Israel, dear friend of Israel. It’s a pleasure to have you Chancellor Merkel, and your delegation,” Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in his warm greeting to the outgoing chancellor.

“We very much appreciate your ongoing friendship and commitment to the people of Israel. The relationship between Germany and Israel has been strong, but in your term, it has never been stronger; it has become more than just an alliance. It has become a true friendship thanks to your leadership. We’re looking forward to strengthening it even more in business relations, science, education, health and of course, in security.

“Sometimes a leader makes a profound difference, and I think your leadership paved the foundation for an ongoing commitment of Germany to Israel’s security, and we very much appreciate it.

“We certainly remember history and we look optimistically to a brighter future. My government will continue the ongoing relationship but our new government also brings a new spirit, a new spirit of goodwill.”

Bennett also praised his own government, saying, “It’s the most diverse government in Israel’s history. We have left and right, Jews and Muslims, religious and secular – and it’s working, we’re getting together pretty well. It’s also the most female government in Israel’s history, with eight ministers and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s actually working. So I wanted to thank you.

At the cabinet meeting that followed, in which Merkel participated, the prime minister said:

“First and foremost, we appreciate your continuing commitment to the security of the State of Israel. I would like to quote you Chancellor, in words that could not be more precise: ‘Israel is still the only state in the region that has democracy and has the rule of law, freedom of opinion and pluralism. The security of Israel is part of Germany’s national interest. We are no neutral.’

“In this very important sentence, there is a moral stand that is so important to hear, especially in Europe: We are not neutral. Not because of the moral debt and the special relationship between the two countries, but because the State of Israel is truly, as I said at the UN, a lighthouse in a stormy sea. Whoever maintains neutrality in the conflict between Israel and countries like Iran and organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah has lost their moral compass.”

President Isaac Herzog surprised Merkel with the establishment of the Dr. Angela Merkel Postdoctoral Fellowship for Outstanding Women Scientists in Chemical Physics at the Weizmann Institute of Science, recognizing her commitment to science and friendship with the State of Israel.