NGO Monitor founder explains how NGOs shape anti-Israel narratives

Dr. Gerald Steinberg, founder of NGO Monitor, detailed his organization's work scrutinizing international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their role in shaping anti-Israel narratives. Steinberg explained how groups like Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, Save the Children, and the Norwegian Refugee Council significantly influence media and United Nations reporting, often without critical verification of their claims.

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Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, Save the Children, and the Norwegian Refugee Council play a central role in shaping media and UN reporting, often without critical verification of claims.

Steinberg traced the historical roots of anti-Israel campaigns, linking them to post-1948 geopolitical shifts and highlighting the Soviet Union's early efforts to frame Zionism as racist. He noted the increasing influence of NGOs during the 1990s and 2000s, emphasizing their growing capacity to disseminate narratives globally through media and UN forums. According to Steinberg, these organizations, frequently staffed by politically motivated individuals, coordinate campaigns that impact public perception and policy discussions.

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These organizations, often staffed by politically motivated personnel, coordinate campaigns that can influence public perception and policy discussions.

The discussion specifically examined a New York Times op-ed that alleged Israeli sexual violence, citing multiple NGOs. Steinberg described how reports from these organizations, particularly Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, were used in a coordinated media effort, often relying on unverifiable testimonies. He characterized these tactics as a form of "mirror imaging," where the actions of Palestinian actors are inverted onto Israel to deflect attention from atrocities committed by groups like Hamas.

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Reports from these NGOs, particularly Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, were leveraged in a coordinated media effort, often relying on unverifiable testimonies.

Steinberg underscored the systematic nature of this media and NGO-driven strategy, pointing to coordinated reporting, press conferences, and social media amplification designed for maximum impact. He highlighted instances where questionable claims, such as the controversial dog allegation in the Kristof op-ed, were promoted despite dubious sourcing, illustrating how such narratives gain traction before accurate evidence emerges. Steinberg concluded with optimism, suggesting that increased scrutiny of NGO practices and growing public awareness could eventually challenge the influence of politically motivated reporting. He confirmed his planned transition from NGO Monitor leadership later this year.

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These tactics as part of a long-standing practice of “mirror imaging,” where actions by Palestinian actors are inverted onto Israel to shift focus from atrocities committed by Hamas or other groups.