Israeli Human Rights Organization Opens in Washington

By Gabrielle Meury
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON, United States - B’Tselem, Israel’s leading human rights organization, opened its Washington branch on September 24. The Organization’s goal is to spread information regarding Israeli human rights abuses against Palestinians to the American Jewish Community, Middle East think tanks and policy makers. B’Tselem’s Executive Director, Jessica Montell, stated that the organization’s goal is “to ensure that our government honors human rights and operates in accordance with the highest moral values.”

Michell Plitnick, who heads the organization’s efforts in the United States, stated that “the debate amongst the American friends of Israel often focuses on the big picture of the diplomatic efforts and the humanitarian reality on the ground is lost.” B’Tselem is the only Israeli organization dealing with human rights to move overseas. Hadar Harris, executive director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at the American University in Washington stated, “There is a unique opportunity for education and outreach by maintaining a Washington presence that B’Tselem will try to take advantage of.” B’Tselem, founded in 1989, is the leading source of information on human rights issues in the Palestinian territories. It primarily documents abuse of Palestinians and publishes periodical reports.

The organization has two primary goals in establishing their Washington office. One goal is to “inject information” into policymakers who deal with issues relating to Israel. The other goal is to “open the dialogue” about Israeli human rights abuses. So far, the Organization’s move has been well received. Larry Garber, CEO of the philanthropic organization New Israel Fund, said the group is unique, since it is Israeli-based but well respected in the international community. “Support for Israel should be based on full understanding of what is going on.”

For more information, please see:

Jewish Daily Forward- Israeli rights watchdog sets up shop in Washington- 29 September 2008

Ynet News- B’Tselem opens Washington bureau-  25 September 2008

Jewish Telegraphic Agency- B’Tselem opens office in Washington- 25 September 2008