Arthur Dantchik, the American multibillionaire, known for his generous contributions to the think tank responsible for Israel’s highly controversial judicial overhaul plan, announced on Friday that he would cease his donations to the organization.
In a statement, Mr. Dantchik, aged 65, expressed his intention to part ways with the Kohelet Policy Forum, the entity behind the transformative measures proposed for Israel’s judicial system. The plan has ignited a deep divide within the country and sparked weeks of protests. Critics argue that it will strip away vital checks on executive power and lead the government towards an autocratic path.
“When a society becomes dangerously fragmented, it is crucial for people to unite and safeguard democracy,” stated Mr. Dantchik in the release, which was posted on Calcalist, an Israeli news site. He further emphasized his decision to stop donating to think tanks in Israel, including the Kohelet Policy Forum, stating that Israel should prioritize healing and national unity during these critical times.
Kohelet has not yet responded to a request for comment, while Mr. Dantchik’s spokesperson confirmed that he will refrain from providing further remarks.
According to Forbes, Mr. Dantchik’s net worth is estimated to be $7.3 billion. He amassed this fortune through his involvement with Susquehanna International Group, a privately held financial giant based in a Philadelphia suburb, which he co-founded with a small group of college classmates. Elusive and private, Mr. Dantchik has never granted an interview.
A few years back, Mr. Dantchik’s name emerged when the Democratic Bloc, an Israeli nonprofit that primarily monitors right-wing organizations, investigated the funding of Kohelet. Founded in 2012 by a mathematics Ph.D. named Moshe Koppel, who, like Mr. Dantchik, grew up in Queens, Kohelet had operated discreetly in Israeli politics, generating libertarian-leaning papers and legislative bills. However, the group’s low-profile existence came to an end following the announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government in January, regarding its intention to pass laws in the Knesset that would curtail crucial powers of the country’s judicial system. Kohelet was credited by the government for devising the specifics of the plan.
In late June, the Knesset passed the first of these proposals, limiting the Supreme Court’s authority to review the “reasonableness” of governmental decisions.
Reacting to Mr. Dantchik’s decision, Ran Cohen, the director of the Democratic Bloc, said, “While we appreciate his remorse due to the inspiring civil resistance in Israel, we hope it is not too late.”
In March, a group of masked army reservists made an unexpected visit to Kohelet’s offices in Jerusalem, leaving behind barbed wire and sandbags at the entrance. Outside the building, protesters waved banners and placards featuring Mr. Dantchik’s name.
One banner read, “Funds the coup against Israeli democracy,” accompanied by a photo of Mr. Dantchik’s face.
Subsequently, protesters in the United States raised the pressure by chanting “Shame” outside Mr. Dantchik’s home. A full-page advertisement was published in the Philadelphia-based Jewish Exponent, displaying his picture and stating, “Get your hands off our democracy! Sincerely yours, the people of Israel.”
The impact of Mr. Dantchik’s decision to cease donations to Kohelet remains uncertain. The organization declined to comment on individual donors when approached by Jewish Insider. However, Mr. Dantchik is regarded as a significant contributor to the group.
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