Audit Reveals Israeli Labor Federation Funds Supported Democratic Party Candidate Yaya Pink

A recent audit report by the Israeli Labor Federation's internal comptroller has uncovered questionable financial practices within the Social Justice and Gender Equality Department, led by Yaya Pink. The report highlights the transfer of significant funds, approximately 1.4 million shekels over 2023-2024, to private NGOs linked to activists associated with the Democratic Party, some of whom supported Pink in recent primaries.

Yaya Pink, a social activist and former candidate in the 2022 elections, was appointed head of the newly established department in 2022 and also chaired the "Social Justice" faction within the Federation. The audit criticized the department for lacking clear objectives, employee roles, and proper budget documentation. It also found that contracts exceeding 30,000 shekels were awarded to certain NGOs without following the Federation's administrative rules.

Among the NGOs receiving funds were "Beit Yigal Alon" and "Derekhim," both connected to Democratic Party activists, including Avishai Ben Aharon, who led a Democratic Party membership group that supported Pink. Additional organizations linked to Pink and the left-wing Democratic Party also benefited from these funds. Pink responded to the audit by stating he had not received formal training on required approvals when the department was created.

The department engaged in various activities, including lectures, workplace LGBTQ+ groups, and social media campaigns promoting social justice values. Pink also received an additional monthly payment of 8,000 shekels as an advisor to the Social Justice faction. Critics argue that these funds, sourced from workers' union dues, were misused for political purposes rather than strengthening workers' rights.

The Labor Federation defended the department's activities, stating all contracts followed proper procedures and denying any political motivations behind the funding. They emphasized the department's significant social projects, including support for reservists and establishing educational programs in southern Israel. Pink dismissed the media outlet reporting the audit as untrustworthy.