Israel: Whether ex-soviet immigrants to Israel who are not practising Jews are targeted by Orthodox Jews, and whether the Israeli police and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) take these reports seriously

Two representatives of Israeli NGOs working in the field of human rights and providing assistance to the public stated that they have never heard of Orthodox or Ultra Orthodox Jews specifically targeting non-practising Jewish ex-soviet immigrants. The representatives expressed doubts about the Orthodox or Ultra-Orthodox's ability  to identify a non-practising Jew from a practising one. They also added that any Israeli citizens or non-citizens, whether Jewish or not, who cross Ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods of Jerusalem might encounter difficulties related to the observance of Shabbat. This is a situation faced by all Israelis, and is not directed at any groups in particular. Both NGOs would provide assistance to any ex-soviet immigrants, whether a practising Jews or not, who need legal service.

The representatives could not comment on whether this type of situation would be taken seriously by the police since they have never seen such cases.

The two NGOs are: the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), an organization established in 1972 to bolster Israel's commitment to civil liberties and human rights through legal action, education and public outreach. ACRI is a strictly non-partisan, non-profit organization that protects the rights of all individuals in Israel and in the occupied territories, regardless of religion, nationality or political beliefs; the Movement for Open Zionism (MOZ) is an organization dedicated to further the integration of new immigrants from the former Soviet-Union. MOZ collects and publishes information materials in Russian, Hebrew and English on the situation of new immigrants from the former Soviet-Union (legal non-orthodox conversions to Judaism, civil marriages, burials etc.). The organization established a support group for new immigrants, and provides legal consultation. It also organizes meetings and discussion groups between the religious and non-religious populations of Israel. MOZ also arranges activities in educational and cultural fields, both for adult and younger people, focusing on participation of both "olim" and "sabras", in order to improve dialogue and integration.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), Jerusalem. 27 January 1999. Telephone interview. Since its establishment, ACRI has grown from a small group of volunteers into a national organization with approximately 1,000 members, who belong to regional chapters in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheva. A general assembly of the membership is held annually to elect a national board and to discuss ACRl's plans for the coming year. The 12 member board is assisted by committees which set strategy in specific fields and monitor the activities of the staff. ACRI employs a total of nearly 40 workers (including part-time positions). In addition to the four regional chapters, ACRl's structure includes four departments (legal, education, public outreach and policy development) and an administrative support section. ACRI is funded entirely by membership dues and grants from foundations and individuals.

Movement for Open Zionism (MOZ), Jerusalem. 27 January 1999. Telephone interview.