Right to an Interpreter in Court and Government Offices in Jerusalem

The Constitutional Basis

The right to an interpreter in legal proceedings is derived from the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. It applies in all criminal proceedings without exception, and in civil, family, and administrative cases on request. Israel's state cannot conduct significant proceedings against a person who does not understand the language.

In Court

Request an interpreter in advance: write to the court clerk specifying the case number, hearing date, and that you need Amharic. At the hearing, if no interpreter is present, tell the judge directly. The judge must postpone the hearing — a criminal trial cannot proceed without full comprehension.

The Courts Administration maintains a registry of certified Amharic interpreters. Ask the court secretary: "Do you have a certified Amharic interpreter on the list?"

Government Offices

• *BTL (6050):** Amharic telephone service available — select "Amharic service."
• *Ministry of Aliyah (5454):** Amharic-speaking representatives — specify when calling.
• Ministry of Interior: Request an appointment with an interpreter in advance.

If an Interpreter Is Refused

In court — state the objection on the record to the judge. In a government office — request in writing, then escalate to the Public Ombudsman (ombudsman.gov.il) or TEBEKA (1-800-20-20-16).

Cost

The right is free — the state pays for court interpreters. If you are ever asked to pay for an interpreter in a legal proceeding, refuse and contact TEBEKA.