Israel

Victim Assistance

Last updated: 13 July 2017

 

The total number of mine/ERW survivors in Israel is not known. “Victims of hostile activities,” including mine survivors, are entitled to benefits, rehabilitation, and grants under the Benefits for Victims of Hostilities Law of 1970.[1] The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities.[2]

Numerous government bodies were responsible for providing assistance to persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services was responsible for overseeing most disability services. The Ministry of Health provided mental health and rehabilitation services, and the Ministry of Education provided special education services to persons with disabilities.[3]

In some cases, the law gave priority to persons with disabilities, particularly in regards to access to public facilities. A government decree requires that 3% of the workforce be persons with disabilities by the end of 2017.[4] However, the employment rate among persons with disabilities in Israel was only 51%.[5]

Lack of accessibility and societal discrimination in multiple areas, including employment, transportation, education, and housing (in regards to access to community-based independent living facilities), were persistent challenges for persons with disabilities.[6]

Israel ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on 28 September 2012.



[1] National Insurance Institute of Israel, “Benefits for Victims of Hostilities,” undated.

[2] United States (US) Department of State, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016: Israel and The Occupied Territories,” Washington, DC, March 2017.

[3] See previous Monitor country profiles for Israel on the Monitor website.

[4] US Department of State, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016: Israel and The Occupied Territories,” Washington, DC, March 2017.

[5] Access Israel, “Employment of people with disabilities - legal aspects,” 15 June 2016.

[6] US Department of State, “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016: Israel and The Occupied Territories,” Washington, DC, March 2017.