Statement of Ralf Fücks, President of Heinrich Böll Foundation:
“As a political foundation that aims at strengthening vibrant civil society, open political discourse and liberal democracy in Germany and abroad, the Heinrich Böll Foundation also supports new and alternative media projects. Thus we have given a grant to "972 – Advancement of Citizen Journalism", a registered Israeli non-profit organization dedicated at creating a platform (972mag.com) for independent journalism, debates and reports on current events for the Israeli and international public.
With our grant, we help maintain the platform. 972mag.com presents critical debates with a diversity of opinions. 972mag.com is committed to human rights, freedom of information and ending the occupation. Many topics are discussed with competing perspectives. In 2011, it was selected by the internet site of Israeli TV Channel 2 as one of five leading online news sources in Israel, and is thus a constructive and valuable element of the Israeli media landscape. Like the Jerusalem Post, it publishes in English to reach both an Israeli and an international readership. All articles present opinions of Israelis and Palestinians and are in the sole responsibility of the authors. They are open for public online comments. The site also invites frequent guest contributions to engage a wide range of Israeli society.
While the Heinrich Böll Foundation does not agree with each opinion expressed in individual contributions to the site, it has not and will not interfere in the content for its conviction for freedom of the press. Both the site and the non-profit organization follow Israeli laws and regulations and have never been accused of any wrongdoing.
This project is one of 17 current grants by the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Israel ranging from green economy, energy efficiency, women’s participation in politics and economy, to the future of Israel’s pluralistic society and Israel’s peace and security in the region. In this effort, the Heinrich Böll Foundation also co-hosts a roundtable at this year’s Herzliya Conference on „A new EU Strategy for the Changing Middle East“ and frequently cooperates with institutions, such as the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), on questions of Iran’s nuclear program, the Israeli-Turkish relationship and international security guarantees. We foster dialogue across the political spectrum with the Israeli government, Members of the Knesset, NGOs, the academia and a variety of journalists. In this context, our grant to 972mag.com is part of a differentiated and pluralistic agenda we are following in Israel.”
...