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Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew in Tel Aviv
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 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.
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 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 Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew in Tel Aviv?
- Contact Tebeka — they operate nationally including in Tel Aviv. 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
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.