The Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Justice continues to enforce the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law and its accessibility regulations to create an accessible and equitable public space.
Further to the press release issued by the Commission in April 2025, regarding the imposition of a financial sanction on the Beer Yaakov Municipality for violating accessibility obligations at the “Rimon” school owned by it, an appeal was filed by the municipality. Following a hearing and in light of the court’s remarks, the municipality withdrew its appeal request. The financial sanction, amounting to over NIS 64,000, remains in effect.
Following an inspection conducted by the Commission at the “Rimon” school, violations of the accessibility obligations stipulated by law were found, including the absence of an elevator shaft and accessible restrooms. Over the years, the Commission has engaged with the Beer Yaakov Municipality, repeatedly alerting it to accessibility deficiencies at the site, issuing directives for their correction, and even granting extensions for the required adjustments. Despite this, the deficiencies were not rectified in a timely manner.
Following the imposition of the financial sanction, the Beer Yaakov Municipality filed an appeal against the decision, and on January 7, 2026, a hearing on the appeal was held at the Magistrate’s Court in Rishon LeZion.
During the hearing, Adv. Dr. Yoed Halbersberg, head of the Commission’s civil claims team and who represented the Commission in the case, emphasized the need to create clear deterrence towards public authorities to ensure compliance with accessibility obligations in educational institutions and public spaces. In light of the arguments, the municipality’s claims were rejected, and the court noted that there was no substantial flaw in the Commission’s decision, and therefore the chances of appeal were not high. Consequently, the Beer Yaakov Municipality announced its withdrawal of the appeal.
The Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Justice stated: “Violations of the law and accessibility regulations in educational frameworks constitute a severe harm to persons with disabilities. The absence of an elevator shaft and accessible restrooms, as required by the regulations, may deter students with disabilities from enrolling in the school and realizing their right to equitable and inclusive education.”
Dan Rechel, Commissioner for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Justice, said: “Accessibility is a legal right for every person and a basic obligation of every public authority towards its residents. The Commission will continue to enforce the law within its authority and act with a firm hand against those who violate the law.”
The Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities operates under the Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law, 1998, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which the State of Israel is a signatory.
Currently, approximately 1.7 million people with disabilities live in Israel, constituting about 18% of the population. Of these, approximately 100,000 were added following the “Swords of Iron” war.
For inquiries regarding accessibility and to clarify rights, you can contact the Commission’s hotline at *6763 or by email: pniotnez@justice.gov.il
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