As debates over judicial reform, human rights, and national identity intensify, Israeli civil society organizations are increasingly under fire - accused of disloyalty or extremism for challenging the status quo. Public trust in these groups has eroded, narrowing the space for democratic debate. A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a research-backed strategy to counter this trend. By emphasizing shared values and common goals, even highly criticized organizations can regain legitimacy in the eyes of a skeptical public, offering a research-backed approach for protecting democratic discourses in polarized societies.

 

Values Build Legitimacy

This approach is at the heart of new findings from a study led by PhD student Lee Aldar and Professor Eran Halperin from the Department of Psycholoy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The research shows that messages grounded in widely accepted values—such as fairness, solidarity, and care for vulnerable populations—can significantly improve public perceptions of controversial civil organizations, even among a skeptic or hostile public.

 

Published in Communications Psychology, the research involved more than 1,600 Jewish Israeli participants from across the political spectrum. Participants were exposed to different types of messaging about a real, often-criticized Israeli NGO known for its work on democratic values, minority rights, and government accountability. This controversial NGO has been the target of smear campaigns framing its actions as disloyal, extreme, or threatening.

 

The researchers tested whether carefully framed messages could shift perceptions without the organization needing to soften or abandon its core mission. They found that two types of messages were particularly effective:

• Highlighting widely supported actions – such as providing social services or advocating for public housing.
• Framing the organization through shared values – like human dignity and national solidarity, rather than through divisive labels.

 

Messaging Matters Most

Using a method known as an “intervention tournament,” participants were shown realistic, social media-style posts written as if by the NGO itself. Some posts focused on shared values such as human dignity and fairness, while others emphasized mutual goals or interests like improving healthcare access or supporting vulnerable communities. Both approaches led to a significant increase in how legitimate participants believed the organization to be.

 

"Even in deeply polarized societies, highlighting what people have in common can change how they view others—especially those they may disagree with," said Prof. Eran Halperin, an expert on intergroup relations and political psychology. "This isn't just about changing minds; it’s about making space for internal criticism and protecting the democratic principle of free expression."

 

"This isn't just about changing minds; it’s about making space for internal criticism and protecting the democratic principle of free expression," - Prof. Eran Halperin, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

 

Importantly, the effective messages did not attempt to address the NGO’s more controversial positions or directly refute misinformation. Instead, they reframed the organization’s work in terms that many people across the political spectrum could relate to by showing how organizations labelled as “illegitimate” or “anti-Israel” often promote activities based on common shared values.

 

Global Democratic Impact

This strategy has global implications. Around the world - from Brazil and Poland to the United States and Russia - civil society groups have come under increasing pressure for opposing government actions. The Hebrew University researchers argue that finding ways to re-legitimize these organizations is crucial to protecting democratic systems.

 

“This is not about asking civil society actors to dilute their missions; politicians, journalists and ordinary citizens still bear the primary responsibility for making space for debate – even when its uncomfortable – about policies.” said Lee Aldar, the study’s lead author. “It’s about finding enough common language and shared truths that remind the public these voices belong to the society they’re trying to improve.”

 

“It’s about finding enough common language and shared truths that remind the public these voices belong to the society they’re trying to improve," - Lee Aldar, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

 

The findings offer a practical, evidence-based tool for civil society organizations, policymakers, and communicators working to defend democracy during turbulent times. Even amid division, common ground remains a force for change.

 

Read the full study, “Intergroup psychological interventions highlighting commonalities can increase the perceived legitimacy of critical voices,” in Communications Psychology: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-025-00238-1.

 

Researchers:

• Lee Aldar; Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands; aChord: Social Psychology for Social Change, Shefayim, Israel
• Ruthie Pliskin; Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
• Yossi Hasson; aChord: Social Psychology for Social Change, Shefayim, Israel
• Eran Halperin; Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; aChord: Social Psychology for Social Change, Shefayim, Israel

 

For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the University, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.