Mevaker Hamedina (State Ombudsman)

There are several governmental organs that deal directly with the citizen and their rights.

Whenever a citizen feels harmed by any government institution, such as Bituach Leumi (National Insurance), City Hall, etc., they have the right – and I emphasize, the duty – to file their claim with the appropriate state institution.

One of the most unpleasant characteristics of governmental ministries and institutions is the fact that they do not respond, or respond in a laconic manner, or only respond after several letters and complaints. The law stipulates a deadline of 14 days for a citizen to receive a response. Of course the institution cannot always finish the analysis in such term. In this case, it is required to respond that it is studying the matter and that the final answer will be sent after the analysis.

In case the citizen does not receive a satisfactory response, they may complain to the State Ombudsman (in Hebrew, Mevaker Hamedina), who then turns to the relevant institution. The response is usually very fast.

The percentage of cases that, in the end, are considered justified is higher than 20%, and this number has been increasing. In 2007, 8,569 were received, 1,815 of which were considered justified.

Make use of this service if you deem it necessary. It is free and by using it you will be helping each other and contributing to improve the services rendered to the citizens of the state.

Sincerely,
 

Tzvi Szajnbrum, Attorney at Law

Addresses and Business Hours of the units of the State Ombudsman

Central unit – Jerusalem

Rechov Beit Hadfus, 12, Guivat Shaul, P.O.B. 1081 Jerusalem 91010

Tel: 02-6665000; fax: 02-6665204

Tel Aviv

Rechov Haarbaá, 19, 13th floor, P.O.B. 7024, Tel Aviv-Yafo 61070

Tel: 03-6843555; fax: 03-6851512

Haifa

Rechov Omar al-Kiam, 12, Hadar Hacarmel, P.O.B. 4394, Haifa 31043

Tel: 04-8604444; fax: 04-8604434

Natzrat (Nazareth)

Rechov Paulus VI, 85, Hamercaz Halavan, P.O.B. 50400, Natzrat 16162

Tel: 04-6455050; fax: 04-6455040

Beer Sheva

Rechov Henrieta Szold, 8b, Rasko City Building, P.O.B. 599, Beer Sheva 84102

Tel: 08-6232777; fax: 08-6234343

Hours Open for the Public:

Sunday to Thursday, from 8h30 to 12h30 (the Nazareth unit is not open on Sundays)

Wednesday, also from 15h00 to 17h00

E-mail: ombudsman@mevaker.gov.il

Translation by Judite Orensztajn (cjoren@gmail.com), as part of her voluntary work at OLEI – Latin-American Organization in Israel

Updated in 11/2009