Israeli Government Funds Channelled to Organization Supporting Ultra-Orthodox Draft Protest

According to a report by Kan News, the nonprofit "Derech Chochma" received approximately 796,000 shekels from the Israeli state budget in 2024 and also serves as a conduit for donations to "Notnim Gev," an organization aligned with the "Black Flag" protest movement against the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews. The report reveals that hundreds of thousands of shekels from government funds were transferred to Derech Chochma, which officially focuses on Torah study and aid to the needy but is used to funnel money to the anti-draft protests.

"Black Flag" is a leading organizer of demonstrations and blockades triggered by arrests of draft dodgers from the Jerusalem Faction, rapidly mobilizing thousands of protesters nationwide. Donors wishing to support "Notnim Gev," associated with the Jerusalem Faction's opposition to conscription, are directed to make contributions through Derech Chochma. The nonprofit holds a tax exemption under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance, allowing donors to receive tax credits.

The report also notes that over three million shekels were raised through this network in just the past week. In response, "Notnim Gev" stated that all its activities comply with the law, are protected under freedom of expression, and are regularly reviewed by legal counsel. The organization highlighted that the government legal advisor confirmed in a Supreme Court response that there is no legal fault in their operations.