New Profile is a feminist movement that has been working since 1998 to combat deep-rooted militarism in Israel. It accompany young people who want to refuse military service and promotes open debate on conscription. Its goal is a civil, peaceful society centred on equality, non-violence and human rights – rather than military power and coercion.
In Israel, the military is much more than a defence institution – it shapes public life and everyday existence. Militaristic values permeate schools, the media, the workplace and society. Children and young people grow up taking military service for granted: three years for men, two years for women. Anyone who questions this path is met with incomprehension and resistance and often remains unheard.
Since 1998, the feminist movement New Profile has been campaigning for a different Israel: a country that is no longer "an army with a state" but a civil, peaceful and just society. They accompany young people who refuse to do military service or want to be exempted, and give them a voice.
At the same time, New Profile highlights the profound influence of the military on education, the media and social structures. They promote critical discussions about militarism and are committed to a society in which equality, non-violence and civic responsibility shape everyday life.
New Profile takes a clear stand against the occupation of Palestine, against war and violence, and for peaceful coexistence between Palestinians and Jews in the region.
New Profile supports around 1,400 young people annually who refuse to do military service or want to leave early. Especially in times of increased military operations or during a war, the number of those who decide to renounce military service grows – and the need for counselling increases. New Profile offers them free counselling, legal support and understandable information materials that provide guidance and security.
This work is supported by a network of trained volunteers, a coordinator and a legal team. Thousands more young people access the services via the website and social media channels. This project creates safe spaces for self-determined life planning beyond militarism and encourages people to explore other paths.
With its Education & Outreach programme, New Profile brings a critical perspective on militarism to schools, youth centres and public discourse. In workshops, lectures and training courses, teachers, social workers and young people are made aware of how much militarism shapes society. New Profile shows how deeply military thinking is rooted in the education system, pop culture and public space – and what alternatives there are. Participants receive concrete tools to make young people aware of civilian career paths and to support them.
This educational work is complemented by public events, studies, social media and information campaigns. In this way, New Profile encourages society to make self-determined decisions and to focus on civil values such as equality, peace and human dignity.
In January 2025, the German government withdrew New Profile's foreign policy clearance and eligibility for funding – even though they work non-violently for peace and human rights. German organisations that support the project with state funds had to end their cooperation. The schwelle Foundation decided quickly and without bureaucracy to take on New Profile as a new project partner in order to compensate for at least a small part of the lost funding. We are happy and grateful that our foundation's assets and incoming donations allow us to act independently of government funding and thus step in when political needs arise.
schwelle Foundation
Wachmannstrasse 79
D-28209 Bremen
Tel: +49 - (0)421 - 3032-575
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