In late October the Israeli Defense Ministry designated six prominent Palestinian human rights groups as “terrorist organizations.” Many of these human rights organizations work closely with the international community to develop Palestinian civil society, document human rights violations, and defend Palestinians in Israeli courts. The decision was met with significant opposition from international policymakers, religious leaders, Israeli human rights activists, and members of Congress in the United States. On October 25, Rep. Betty McCollum (MN) introduced a Congressional Resolution opposing the designation of the NGOs as “terrorist” organizations.

The named organizations include:

• Addameer
• al-Haq 
• Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP)
• Union of Agricultural Work Committees 
• Bisan Center for Research and Development
• Union of Palestinian Women Committees

Churches for Middle East Peace recently hosted a webinar to learn more about the challenges facing Palestinian human rights groups and the impact this decision will have on not only these six organizations, but Palestinian civil society as a whole. Watch the recording of this webinar here.