Key Facts
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About
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) is Israel's oldest and largest human rights NGO, founded in 1972 as an independent, non-partisan not-for-profit entity dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights, civil liberties, democracy, and equality within Israel and the territories under its control. ACRI focuses on civil liberties, equality, and the rule of law, advocating for freedom of expression, privacy rights, and against discrimination, particularly for marginalized groups including Arab citizens, refugees, and residents of the occupied territories. The organization engages in legal advocacy, public education, policy research, and public campaigns to challenge discriminatory laws and practices, emphasizing transparency and accountability in government operations. Headquartered in Tel Aviv with additional offices in Jerusalem and Nazareth, ACRI operates through strategic litigation, amicus briefs, and reports highlighting systemic issues such as unequal resource allocation and restrictions on movement. It has been involved in numerous high-profile cases challenging government policies on citizenship, surveillance, and military actions, including recent legal challenges against figures like Bezalel Smotrich over discriminatory policies. ACRI collaborates with international human rights bodies and monitors legislation that undermines civil rights, positioning itself as a key watchdog in Israel's democratic framework despite ongoing political tensions.