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Rights Against Employment Discrimination in Tel Aviv
Every employee in Israel — including new immigrants and Ethiopian-Israelis — is protected against discrimination based on race, nationality, origin, and more.
About Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is the main draw for the second generation of Israeli-Ethiopians — academics, entrepreneurs and professionals in tech, design and law. Community activity in the city focuses on equality and combating racism, alongside a vibrant real-estate market offering a wide range of housing options.
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 Tel Aviv
- Community population
- ~6,000
- Share of city
- ~1.5%
- Main neighbourhoods
- שכ' הצפון, דרום תל אביב
- Community services
- ENP, HAMA, פרנץ' קיי קולה
More rights in Tel Aviv
This right in other cities
FAQ — Tel Aviv
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Tel Aviv?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Tel Aviv numbers approximately ~6,000 residents — around ~1.5% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: שכ' הצפון, דרום תל אביב.
- How do I claim Rights Against Employment Discrimination in Tel Aviv?
- Contact the Tel Aviv Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP, HAMA, פרנץ' קיי קולה.
- What community support is available in Tel Aviv for this right?
- In Tel Aviv, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, HAMA, פרנץ' קיי קולה.
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.