Rights Against Employment Discrimination in Herzliya

Equal Employment Opportunity Law

Israel's Equal Employment Opportunity Law (1988) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on:

• Race, nationality, or origin — directly relevant to Ethiopian-Israelis
• Gender, sexual orientation, marital status
• Age, religion, political views, disability

The prohibition covers: hiring, termination, wages, promotion, training, and working conditions.

What Counts as Discrimination?

Common examples for Ethiopian-Israelis:

• Rejection based on accent, name, or skin color.
• Lower pay for the same role compared to colleagues of other backgrounds.
• Blocked promotion despite equal qualifications.
• Harassment, mockery, or racist remarks in the workplace.

How to File a Complaint?

Track 1 — Equal Opportunity Commissioner

The Ministry of Labor has appointed a Commissioner (free of charge):

1. Submit a written complaint to the Commissioner's office.
2. The Commissioner may open an investigation and issue orders.
3. Info: gov.il → Equal Employment Opportunity.

Track 2 — Labor Court

• You may file an independent lawsuit — consult a lawyer first.
• Compensation: up to ₪120,000 without proving actual damages.
• TEBEKA — Employment department: tebeka.org.il

Track 3 — Histadrut (Labor Federation)

Histadrut membership grants representation and legal support in labor disputes.

Commissioner's Powers

• Inspect workplaces and review documents.
• Issue injunctions or correction orders.
• File criminal charges against employers who violate the law.

Organizations That Can Help

| Organization | Service | Contact | |--------------|---------|---------| | TEBEKA | Free legal consultation | tebeka.org.il | | Equal Opportunity Commissioner | State investigation | gov.il | | Histadrut | Worker representation | histadrut.org.il | | IAEJ | Community support | iaej.org.il |

Related Rights

• Worker's rights — minimum wage
• Olim rights — klita basket