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Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew in Rehovot
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 Rehovot
Rehovot has a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community, with a significant concentration in the Kiryat Moshe neighbourhood. Most of the neighbourhood's residents are from the community, and it is currently going through urban-renewal processes — driving demand for additional housing options in the city and surrounding area.
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): 1-800-20-20-16 | Public Defender (free): 02-5453555 | ACRI (rights violations): 03-6936893
📞 1-800-20-20-16
About Rehovot
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