Israel Matzav

Diaspora Affairs ministry reconsidering funding to Salute to Israel parade

The Diaspora Affairs ministry is reconsidering its funding of the Salute to Israel Day Parade as a result of parade organizers' insistence on including groups that promote BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) against Israel.

[S]ome in Jerusalem have begun to question their affiliation with the parade, with a government source telling the Post that “due to the ongoing controversy that has now erupted, the Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Ministry will review its funding of the parade for future years, [although] not this year.”

The source, who asked not to be identified, said that while future funding was being reconsidered, reports that the Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs Ministry cut funding to the parade due to the controversy were incorrect and that the cuts had been planned for almost a year. The funds, he explained, had been reallocated to Minister of Religious Serices Naftali Bennett’s new strategic initiative for the Diaspora and the shortfall had been made up by a grant by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Bennett, he added, never intended to attend, and reports that he canceled a trip in response to the NIF’s participation were incorrect.

Hmmm.

In the meantime, NGO Monitor has issued a statement regarding the parade controversy, which may be found here.

Labels: BDS, New Israel Fund, Salute to Israel Day Parade

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:24 PM