The far-left organization Standing Together, which is involved in organizing protests to pressure to give more relief funds to self-employed Israelis who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis, received almost 1 million shekels (about 285,000 dollars) from the German government and the New Israel Fund, an NGO that promotes left-wing causes.
Standing Together's logo appeared on the notices put up ahead of the protests in recent days, alongside logos of other organizations. The group is also planning to participate in the protest scheduled for this Saturday, in which medical workers will demonstrate against the harsh conditions in hospitals.
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One of the founders of the organization took part in a demonstration in support of a march led by Palestinian rioters in the Gaza Strip two years ago in which masses tried to breach the Israeli border fence. The founder even called for the "liberation of Palestine" and said that "we are all partners in the effort to eradicate the fascist regime in Israel."
LAHAV, the Israel Chamber of Independent Organizations and Businesses, told Israel Hayom that it has not taken part in the recent protests because "we feared that this very politicization would take place."
Kfir Shamly, who is part of the Union of Self-Employed, told Israel Hayom: "We only agree with Stand Together on economic issues and we will no longer collaborate with them. Our fight includes Jews, Arabs, Druze, and any Israeli. We love Israel, we are not against it."
The organization does not hide its left-wing agenda. On its Facebook page it says that it is part of "a movement that presents a cohesive alternative to the right-wing in Israel."
Standing Together National Director Along Lee-Green provided Israel Hayom the following statement:
"A million and a half people, both salaried employees and self-employed, have been left out of a job. Rather than carry out an investigative report through Google, it is best if you ask those who are out of touch and are joining the government with 36 ministers what they are planning to do to give people solutions. Standing Together, with its thousands of members and activists, is proud to fight together with a long list of partners from the entire spectrum of Israelis society for real economic solutions and social justice for all. We are fighting together and we will continue fighting together and we will not be separated or fragmented. "
