2014 ACHIEVE MENTS
Challenging the Orthodox Monopoly. Two victories marked progress for religious freedom in Israel. In a precedent-setting ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that the Orthodox authorities do not have a monopoly on determining how Jews pray at the Kotel. And veteran NIF grantee Israel Religious Action Center helped score a landmark victory that will allow Reform and Conservative rabbis to serve as state-salaried clergy.
Social Justice. In a victory for diversity in leadership, the Supreme Court has ordered the state to ensure that women and Arabs are fairly represented on the Israel Land Authority (ILA) Council. The ILA controls 93% of the land in Israel, and has huge power over land use decisions. At the time of the decision, there was only one woman and no Arabs serving on the ten-member Council. This victory was made possible by a petition advanced by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and Itach-Maki (Women Lawyers for Social Justice).
Social Justice. A major breakthrough cancelling private, fee-for-service care in public hospitals will help ensure quality healthcare for all Israelis. An additional billion shekels granted to the Health Ministry will be used to shorten wait times at hospitals and provide quality healthcare irrespective of income. The victory follows a campaign led by ACRI, Physicians for Human Rights, and the Adva Center.
Women’s Empowerment. Following a long struggle by Itach-Maki (Women Lawyers for Social Justice), a new law will reduce women’s financial reliance on their husbands. Welfare payments will now be transferred to a couple’s shared account instead of to the man’s account, which will increase the economic independence of vulnerable and abused women.
N I F 2 0 1 4 AN N UAL REP OR T
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