Submission of the Institute for NGO Research: Need to Address Antisemitism in the Aftermath of October 7

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NGO antisemitism reached new levels with the October 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas and other Gaza-based terror groups – the most brutal attack against Jews since the Holocaust and the worst single-day atrocity since 9/11. One might have expected that, in reaction to the horrific murder, rape, torture, dismembering, and kidnapping, the human rights community would unite in condemnation of Hamas, alongside support for Israelis. Instead, NGOs that claim to promote universal human rights denied or justified the massacre, vilified Israel, and expressed antipathy for Jews. The structural antisemitism that has infected global human rights institutions was sharply manifested in the surreal denials regarding testimonies of sexual violence and other evidence of unspeakable, inhumane brutality. 

Many of these NGOs are supported by governments and the UN through official development and humanitarian programs. European governments in particular have enabled NGO antisemitism and demonization by turning a blind eye to the impacts of their funding. However, after October 7, there have been signs of increased accountability: the European Union, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and Austria suspended some or all of their funding to Palestinians pending investigations. 

In addition, it is clear that years of NGO antisemitic activities have greatly contributed to the overall process of steadfast radicalization of the Palestinian society, dehumanization of Jews, and a complete inability to even condemn the massacre of October 7.