New Israel Fund decries House GOP investigation over its alleged Israeli election spending

The New Israel Fund (NIF) has responded to a congressional investigation, asserting its commitment to defending democracy, equality, and peace in Israel. The US nonprofit is pushing back against allegations that it violated its tax-exempt status by funding political campaign activities in Israel during the 2019 elections.

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NIF will not be deterred in our work to defend democracy, promote equality, and advance peace in Israel.

In a statement, NIF CEO Mickey Gitzin emphasized the organization's dedication to its work and the rights of Jewish Americans. "NIF will not be deterred in our work to defend democracy, promote equality, and advance peace in Israel," Gitzin said. "And we will stand firmly for the right of Jewish Americans to express their views, and their First Amendment rights through their philanthropic support of any and all charitable institutions in Israel and the United States."

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And we will stand firmly for the right of Jewish Americans to express their views, and their First Amendment rights through their philanthropic support of any and all charitable institutions in Israel and the United States.

Republican committee chairs Jim Jordan and Jason Smith initiated the investigation, alleging that NIF provided "millions of dollars in funding to groups that engaged in political campaign activities in the 2019 Israeli elections." Smith stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "Reports that the New Israel Fund engaged in prohibited political campaign activity – while telling the IRS that it did not – demonstrate the need for stronger enforcement." The Ways and Means Committee plans to continue oversight to ensure accountability for those abusing the tax code.

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Reports that the New Israel Fund engaged in prohibited political campaign activity – while telling the IRS that it did not – demonstrate the need for stronger enforcement.

The investigation reportedly includes accusations of bussing Bedouin citizens of Israel to the polls and funding Adalah, a group that represented an Arab party alliance aiming to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These criticisms draw parallels to Republican attacks on groups encouraging Black voters in the U.S. Previous GOP letters have also questioned Jewish philanthropies over funding groups involved in "radical anti-government campaigns" in Israel.

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The Ways and Means Committee will continue conducting rigorous oversight to protect American tax dollars and ensure that those who abuse our tax code are held accountable.