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Severance Pay — The Right Everyone Needs to Know in Jerusalem
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.
About Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel's capital, hosts a large Israeli-Ethiopian community concentrated historically in the Gondar neighbourhood in the north and with significant presence in Kiryat HaYovel and other areas. The city is home to the Centre for Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and several traditional synagogues led by kessim, alongside a broad housing market.
What is Severance Pay?
Payment that an employer must make to a dismissed employee. Formula: last monthly salary × years worked.
Example: 5 years at 8,000 ILS/month = 40,000 ILS. Calculated on last salary — not average. If your salary increased, this helps you.
When Are You Entitled?
Dismissal (always, after 1 year). Death (to heirs). Disability (cannot continue working). Resignation (usually not — exceptions: illness, harassment).
Where Is the Money?
Since 2008, employers must pay pension fund contributions — part of these are "severance." Check your pay slip: "pitzuim" (severance) line.
If Refused
Complaint to Labour Commissioner: 02-6667222 | Labour Court claim (no lawyer needed) | Kav LaOved: 1-800-354-354
Tip for Ethiopian-Israelis
If you worked "off the books" (no pay slip) — you are still entitled. Prove employment with: bank transfers, witnesses, WhatsApp messages.
📞 1-800-354-354
Ethiopian community in Jerusalem
- Community population
- ~30,000
- Share of city
- ~4%
- Main neighbourhoods
- גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב
- Community services
- מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP
More rights in Jerusalem
This right in other cities
FAQ — Jerusalem
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Jerusalem?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Jerusalem numbers approximately ~30,000 residents — around ~4% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: גונדר, קרית היובל, פסגת זאב.
- How do I claim Severance Pay — The Right Everyone Needs to Know in Jerusalem?
- Contact the Jerusalem Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
- What community support is available in Jerusalem for this right?
- In Jerusalem, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: מרכז מורשת יהדות אתיופיה, ENP.
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.
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.
Foreign Worker Rights — Including Undocumented Workers
Undocumented workers are entitled to minimum wage, basic working conditions and cannot be deported for filing a complaint — even if residing illegally.
Right to Legal Translation — Navigating Courts in Hebrew
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.