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Free Legal Aid — Tebeka in Lod
Tebeka — "Advocate of Justice" in Amharic — provides free legal counsel and representation to Ethiopian-Israelis (1,000+ inquiries/year). Specialty lines: workers' rights, racism, law enforcement, children's rights.
About Lod
Lod has a long-established Israeli-Ethiopian community in neighbourhoods where the community proportion is significant. In recent years the city has drawn attention due to urban-renewal plans and demographic shifts that directly affect the local real-estate market and housing options for the community.
What cases does Tebeka handle?
- Workers' rights — wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, unpaid wages
- Racial discrimination — education, commerce, public services
- Law enforcement — complaints about police conduct, wrongful arrest
- Children's rights — special education, welfare, custody
- Housing — public-housing issues, rental, eviction
How to reach Tebeka
- Phone: 03-9377777 (Sun–Thu 9:00–17:00)
- Web: tebeka.org.il — online form
- WhatsApp: 052-2233456 (short and to the point)
🔒 Confidentiality: every inquiry is attorney-client privileged. Tebeka cannot disclose details without your consent. 💰 Cost: zero. Tebeka is donor-funded — no cost to inquirers.
When to reach out immediately
- Arrest by police
- Termination from work
- Domestic violence (also via 118)
- Suspected discrimination during a public-service interaction
Ethiopian community in Lod
- Community population
- ~8,000
- Share of city
- ~11%
- Main neighbourhoods
- רמת אשכול, מרכז, גנים
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי
More rights in Lod
This right in other cities
FAQ — Lod
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Lod?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Lod numbers approximately ~8,000 residents — around ~11% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: רמת אשכול, מרכז, גנים.
- How do I claim Free Legal Aid — Tebeka in Lod?
- Contact Tebeka — they operate nationally including in Lod. For support: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי.
- What community support is available in Lod for this right?
- In Lod, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, ביה"ס אתיופי.
Related rights
Chronic Disease Prevention — Tene Briut
Prevention programs for diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease — culturally adapted for the community. Hebrew/Amharic workshops, dietary guidance, exercise instructors. Via Tene Briut.
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.
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.