On the latest episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Olga Deutsch, Vice President of NGO Monitor, for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood issues facing Israel today: how seemingly well-meaning humanitarian aid can be weaponized against the Jewish state.
Deutsch, dialing in from her home in Petah Tikva, Israel, offers a stark, data-driven look at how taxpayer dollars from the U.S. and Europe are funneled into non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that—while cloaked in the language of human rights—are often actively undermining Israel’s legitimacy and even aiding terror-linked entities.
Referencing NGO Monitor’s explosive January 2025 report, “U.S. Funded NGOs Praising Terror, Harming U.S. Companies, and Supporting the ICC,” Deutsch shares how groups like Al-Haq and Mercy Corps have received millions in government grants—only to turn around and promote campaigns that support Hamas, target American businesses doing work in Israel, or file prejudicial cases at the International Criminal Court. One of the report’s most jarring findings: American-funded organizations were working directly with Hamas-run ministries in Gaza to distribute cash aid based on Hamas-provided “priority lists.”
“What we’re witnessing is a new kind of warfare,” Deutsch explained. “Terror groups have learned that bombs are only one part of the battle. The other front is legal, political, and economic—and NGOs are their soldiers.”
Deutsch's revelations are as sobering as they are infuriating. Citing recent legislation in Germany and the Netherlands that cuts off funding to groups that refuse to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist, Deutsch called on the United States to follow suit: “It’s not enough to cut aid—we need to rethink how we define partnerships, accountability, and transparency.”
Shalowitz and Deutsch also tackled the ideological infrastructure feeding the crisis—from radicalized college campuses to compromised international institutions—ending with a call for action: better education, community mobilization, and legal accountability.
“This isn’t just about Israel,” Deutsch argued. “This is about the integrity of democratic societies and the global fight against antisemitism masquerading as social justice.”
In an era of misinformation and moral inversion, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in truth, justice, and a future where the land and people of Israel—and the values it symbolizes—can continue to endure and thrive.
About Jewish National Fund-USA
Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.
