Home / Rights & Programs / Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew
Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew in Ma'alot-Tarshiha
Every defendant who does not have command of Hebrew is entitled to a free interpreter in all court proceedings. A constitutional right many are unaware of.
About Ma'alot-Tarshiha
Ma'alot-Tarshiha is a mixed (Jewish-Arab) city in the Upper Galilee, with a small Israeli-Ethiopian community. Its accessible real-estate prices, green surroundings and high quality of life make it an attractive residential option.
The Right to Translation
The Code of Criminal Procedure and Supreme Court rulings establish: every person without command of Hebrew is entitled to a free interpreter in all criminal, civil and administrative proceedings.
What the Right Covers
Police investigation (demand "interpreter for Amharic"). Court hearings. Signing documents (never sign without full understanding). Indictment documents. Sentencing (right to explanation in your language).
What If Refused?
Don't sign any document you haven't understood. Say: "I refuse to continue without an interpreter." Rulings without translation can be appealed.
Who to Contact
Tebeka (free criminal defence): 072-2424622 | Public Defender (free): 02-5453555 | ACRI (rights violations): 03-5608185
📞 072-2424622
Ethiopian community in Ma'alot-Tarshiha
- Community population
- ~1,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- מרכז
- Community services
- ENP
More rights in Ma'alot-Tarshiha
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ma'alot-Tarshiha
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ma'alot-Tarshiha?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ma'alot-Tarshiha numbers approximately ~1,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: מרכז.
- How do I claim Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew in Ma'alot-Tarshiha?
- Contact Tebeka — they operate nationally including in Ma'alot-Tarshiha. For support: ENP.
- What community support is available in Ma'alot-Tarshiha for this right?
- In Ma'alot-Tarshiha, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP.
Related rights
Access to Government Services in Amharic — Complete Guide
By law — every public body must provide services in minority languages. Guide to all government agencies offering Amharic service.
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.