Israeli NGO Linked to Yaia Pink Transfers Funds to Supporters in Democratic Party Primaries

An NGO associated with Yaia Pink has transferred significant funds to organizations backing him in the Democratic Party primaries, revealing a complex financial and political network. Last week, it was exposed that Pink moved hundreds of thousands of shekels from the Histadrut to nonprofits linked to the Halutz Movement, which actively supported his candidacy. The Halutz Movement, founded by the Kibbutz Movement and led by Avishai Ben Aharon, is influential within the Democratic Party and supports both Pink and MK Naama Lazimi.

In addition to Pink, another Democratic candidate, Keti Piasetsky, a Bat Yam city council member, received backing from the Halutz-affiliated political circle "Talmaim." Piasetsky’s husband, Dror Morag, vice chairman of the Zionist Federation and head of its social involvement department, awarded a grant of 45,000 shekels to Ben Aharon’s initiative promoting young women leaders. This event was attended by Michal Herzog, wife of the Israeli president.

Beyond the Histadrut funds, Pink’s own NGO, "HaYisraelim," which he founded to promote ethical standards in Israel, also transferred approximately 2.5 million shekels to Halutz-related projects, including ideological training and scholarships. HaYisraelim previously raised 1.6 million shekels supporting government legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara and spent large sums opposing Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The intertwining of Pink’s NGOs and the Halutz Movement creates a synergy where Pink funds Halutz, and its members support his political ambitions. Key figures in Pink’s organizations hold influential roles within the Democratic Party, including Ram Pardes, legal advisor to Pink’s NGO and chairman of the party’s appeals committee. Additionally, the NGO "Darkenu," co-founded by Pink, is now controlled by Ben Aharon.

MK Avichai Buaron has called on the State Comptroller to investigate potential conflicts of interest and alleged violations of election laws, accusing Pink of exploiting his position to financially benefit political allies. Responses from Piasetsky and Morag deny wrongdoing, emphasizing the legitimacy and transparency of their activities and funding mechanisms. The Zionist Federation highlighted the professional and diverse nature of its grant decisions, while criticizing media attacks on Zionist organizations.