February 24, 2017
Background: Human Rights Watch's
Political War Against Israel

In response to the Israeli government denial of a work visa for its new
hire, Human Rights Watch (HRW) is pushing a self-serving image as a
professional and apolitical player in the Arab-Israeli conflict. In
contrast, the evidence clearly shows that both the individual in question
and the organization are deeply implicated in BDS and other forms of
political warfare against Israel, noted Jerusalem-based research institute
NGO Monitor.

"For two decades, Human Rights Watch has been one of the most blatant and
aggressive anti-Israel NGOs in the world," said Prof. Gerald Steinberg,
president of NGO Monitor. "Their defenders need to ask why they
systematically hire pro-BDS activists for key Israel-related 'research'
positions, while lobbying to isolate Israel through false allegations."

In October 2016, HRW hired Omar Shakir, who has been denied a work visa by
the Israeli government, to serve as its "Israel and Palestine Country
Director." Shakir is a consistent advocate of a "one-state framework" and
strident supporter of BDS (boycotts, divestment, sanctions) tactics. For
more details, see NGO Monitor's website.

The most recent HRW campaigns targeting Israel include joining the
Palestinian effort to punish Israel at FIFA (the world football body) and
promoting a United Nations blacklist of companies that do business with
Israel.

In 2009, HRW founder Robert Bernstein published an article in the New York
Times ("Rights Watchdog, Lost in the Mideast," October 19, 2009) strongly
criticizing the organization for ignoring severe human rights violations in
closed societies, for its anti-Israel bias, and for "issuing reports...that
are helping those who wish to turn Israel into a pariah state."

This was triggered by, among other issues, the hiring of a "researcher" who
was also an obsessive collector of Nazi memorabilia; using its attacks
against Israel and the specter of "pro-Israel pressure groups" to fundraise
in Saudi Arabia; and lobbying for the discredited "Goldstone report" on the
2008/9 Gaza war.

"The only 'shocking' aspect of this incident is that HRW, despite repeated
exposure, continues its unprofessional and obsessive practices," continued
Steinberg. "If HRW and its backers wish to be taken seriously, they need to
start acting in a manner consistent with the principles of universal human
rights, including with respect to Israel."

NGO Monitor provides information and analysis, promotes accountability, and
supports discussion on the reports and activities of NGOs (non-governmental
organizations) claiming to advance human rights and humanitarian agendas.
© 2017 The Institute for NGO Research. All Rights Reserved.