Aid Coalition Accused of Political Fundraising for MK Naama Lazimi Film

The organization Aid Coalition, which has been organizing flights for Israelis abroad to vote, is facing accusations of political fundraising for a documentary film about Knesset Member Naama Lazimi of the Democrats party. The organization claims to be neutral and focused solely on enabling citizens to exercise their right to vote, irrespective of party affiliation. However, reports indicate that Aid Coalition, linked to protest groups, solicited donations for a film described as highly supportive of Lazimi, praising her as a "breath of fresh air" in Israeli politics.

Following the exposure of these fundraising efforts, the donation page was removed. The Likud party has since petitioned the Central Elections Committee to declare Aid Coalition, along with the Brothers in Arms organization, as active political entities subject to election funding laws and oversight by the State Comptroller. Likud's legal counsel, Ilan Bombach, argued that there is a clear synergy between the party and these organizations, asserting they are not neutral UN-affiliated bodies but rather entities requiring strict supervision.

The legal battle aims to ensure that the flight arrangements and organizational activities do not circumvent party financing laws under the guise of innocent civic action. Aid Coalition has denied the allegations, stating that attempts to attribute political affiliation to them are baseless and that the organization is independent and non-partisan, promoting various social and Zionist initiatives.