B'Tselem is an Israeli non-profit organization founded in 1989 whose stated goals are to document human rights violations by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, combat any denial of the existence of such violations, and help to create a human rights culture in Israel.

B'Tselem also maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., where it is known as B'Tselem USA. The organization has provoked sharp reactions within Israel, ranging from harsh criticism to strong praise.

Since May 2014 B'Tselem is headed by Director General, Hagai El-Ad an Israeli LGBT and human rights activist. Previously, he was director of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel and the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance.

Born October 1, 1969, in Haifa to Israeli parents of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Hagai El-Ad was drafted into the IDF and served in Unit 504. After his time in the IDF, he enrolled in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, from 1997 to 2000, and obtained a degree in physics. He was a pre-doctoral researcher in the Astrophysics Center of Harvard University.

B'Tselem statement: "The essence of Israel's apartheid regime in place between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is to promote and perpetuate the supremacy of one group over another. B'Tselem works to change this reality, recognizing that this is the only way to realize a future in which human rights, liberty and equality are guaranteed to all human beings living here..."

www.ucis.pitt.edu/global/b%E2%80%99tsele...occupied-territories