Founded in 1989, B’Tselem has committed itself to documenting and exposing human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, striving toward a future where the fundamental rights of all people, both Palestinian and Jewish, are protected.
B’Tselem’s name, chosen by the late Member of Knesset Yossi Sarid, derives from the Hebrew phrase “b’tselem” (literally: “in the image”), an allusion to Genesis 1:27: “And God created humankind in His image.” This name reflects the organization’s deep moral commitment, rooted in Jewish and universal ethics, to uphold the inherent dignity of all people. The values behind their work align with the purpose of the Rescuers Garden: honoring those who embody moral clarity and act on behalf of others, regardless of ethnic or political divides.
The organization’s initial mandate focused on human rights violations stemming from Israel’s military occupation of Palestinian territories. Contrary to the narrative within Israel that it maintains a democracy west of the Green Line and a temporary military occupation to the east, B’Tselem has found, and revealed to Israel and the world, that the entire region functions under one apartheid system. This system perpetuates control by one group—Jews—over another—Palestinians—through laws, policies, and state violence. Ending this regime and achieving equality and liberty for all between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is the goal B’Tselem has set for itself.
B’Tselem’s efforts involve meticulous documentation, research, and publication of reports, testimonies, and video footage to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that human rights violations are not ignored. This work is an act of moral rescue—offering the truth as a lifeline for victims and a tool for change.
Why B’Tselem is honored in the Garden of Rescuers: This award emphasizes the fact that rescue is not always immediate or dramatic. Like the individuals who have saved lives in moments of crisis, B’Tselem works to prevent future harm by challenging the structures of violence and oppression. Their work amplifies the voices of the marginalized, fostering accountability and hope for a more just society.
Just as Issa Kurdia of Hebron’al-Khalil protected his Jewish neighbors during the 1929 massacre by hiding them from rioters, B’Tselem stands as a moral guardian in today’s context, defending the principle that all lives are equally valuable. The Garden of Rescuers acknowledges B’Tselem for their unwavering dedication to truth and justice, recognizing that their fight against systemic violence is a vital form of rescue.
