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Your Rights With Police — What Is and Isn't Allowed in Ashkelon
Every citizen and resident of Israel has the right to know why they are being stopped or investigated, to remain silent, and to receive legal counsel. These are constitutional rights.
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
Why This Matters for Ethiopian-Israelis
Studies and reports by TEBEKA and human-rights organisations document disproportionate rates of police stops targeting Ethiopian-Israeli youth. The 2015 and 2019 protest movements arose directly from these experiences. Knowing your rights is the most effective protection before you ever need it.
Core Rights
Right to know why you are stopped. Under Israeli law a police officer must identify themselves and state the reason for a stop or search. Ask calmly: "What is the reason for this stop?"
Right to remain silent. You are never required to answer questions that could incriminate you. State clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent until my lawyer arrives." Silence cannot be used as evidence of guilt in Israeli courts.
Right to legal counsel. Before any interrogation you are entitled to consult a lawyer. The police must facilitate this except in narrow national-security exceptions. If you have no lawyer, call the Bar Association duty line: 03-6200600 (24/7).
Right to dignity during searches. A full body search requires a judicial warrant or specific immediate suspicion. Strip searches must be conducted by an officer of the same gender. You may refuse a "voluntary" search — say clearly: "I do not consent to a search."
If arrested. The police must tell you why, bring you before a judge within 24 hours, allow you to call a family member or lawyer, and provide an interpreter if you do not speak Hebrew.
Complaint Hotlines
- MAHASH (police complaints): 1553 | mahash.gov.il
- TEBEKA: 1-800-20-20-16 | tebeka.org.il
- ACRI: acri.org.il
- Bar Association duty lawyer: 03-6200600
About Ashkelon
Related rights
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.
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.
Legal Protection From Domestic Violence — Guide for Ethiopian-Israeli Women
Any woman suffering domestic violence can receive a protection order the same day — regardless of visa status, length of marriage, or financial situation. The state must provide emergency housing and living expenses.
Rights Against Employment Discrimination
Every employee in Israel — including new immigrants and Ethiopian-Israelis — is protected against discrimination based on race, nationality, origin, and more.