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Rights Against Employment Discrimination in Sderot
Every employee in Israel — including new immigrants and Ethiopian-Israelis — is protected against discrimination based on race, nationality, origin, and more.
About Sderot
Sderot, located adjacent to the Gaza border, hosts a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community that has dealt with security challenges alongside economic hardship. The community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, and development projects in the city offer new housing opportunities.
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):
- Submit a written complaint to the Commissioner's office.
- The Commissioner may open an investigation and issue orders.
- 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
Ethiopian community in Sderot
- Community population
- ~7,000
- Share of city
- ~35%
- Main neighbourhoods
- שכ' ב', שכ' ג'
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי
More rights in Sderot
This right in other cities
FAQ — Sderot
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Sderot?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Sderot numbers approximately ~7,000 residents — around ~35% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: שכ' ב', שכ' ג'.
- How do I claim Rights Against Employment Discrimination in Sderot?
- Contact the Sderot Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Sderot for this right?
- In Sderot, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס קהילתי.
Related rights
Employment Rights for People with Disabilities
The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law requires employers to make reasonable accommodations. Entitlements include a mobility allowance, tax benefits, and NII cost reduction.
Severance Pay — The Right Everyone Needs to Know
Every employee dismissed after one full year of work is entitled to severance: one month's last salary per year of work — calculated on last salary, not average.
Right to an Interpreter in Court and Government Offices
Anyone who does not speak Hebrew is entitled to an interpreter in any legal proceeding — a constitutional right. Government offices (BTL, Interior Ministry, Aliyah Ministry) must also provide translation. The right is free and at state expense.
Criminal & Police Record Expungement for Ethiopian-Israelis — Eligibility Check
The Expungement of Criminal and Police Records of Ethiopian-Israelis Law (2024) mandates automatic deletion of records for public-order offenses committed until 31.12.2020 — for those not sentenced to actual imprisonment and with no additional record.