A Clean Slate Isn’t Charity, It’s Public Policy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YclR4ZvD9Ng
There’s a moment in every rehabilitation story that doesn’t make it into the inspirational quotes. It’s not the first day sober, or the first job interview, or even the first night of safe sleep. It’s the moment a person realizes the past hasn’t just hurt them, it’s still billing them.
For one woman, a survivor of the sex trade, that bill came in the form of 77 fines totaling about 100,000 shekels. Not a “mistake,” not a single misstep—an accumulated record of survival under conditions most of us are lucky never to face. A teenager subjected to severe sexual assault. A descent into prostitution, drug dependence, and life on the street. And then, against the odds, a decision to climb out.
She did what we demand people do when we speak about “responsibility.” She sought help. With the support of a mobile clinic operated through the Haifa Health Bureau, she got clean. She started looking for work. She began the slow, grinding work of rebuilding a life.
And then she hit a wall made of paperwork.
A six-figure debt doesn’t just punish. It paralyzes. It restricts movement, employment, stability—everything rehabilitation requires. It becomes an anchor disguised as accountability: a millstone around the neck of someone trying to swim to shore.
That is why the decision by Israel’s Enforcement and Collection Authority to erase the full amount is more than a compassionate gesture. It’s a statement—rare, and therefore revealing—about what real rehabilitation actually needs.
Attorney Tamar Stachel-Devor of the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, which provides free legal aid to marginalized populations, described the case as exceptional. It was referred to JIJ's free legal aid department by social worker Noga Shiloh from the mobile clinic, and it succeeded because the system was persuaded to see what the numbers usually hide: this wasn’t a “serial offender.” This was a person who had been failed repeatedly—and was still trying.
We should pause on that word: exceptional.
Why should it be exceptional to recognize that fines piled on vulnerable people often function less like deterrence and more like lifelong barriers? Why should the state need a rare, hard-won intervention to do what’s plainly rational: remove obstacles that make recovery less likely, not more?
Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: debt is one of the quietest ways we keep people trapped. It is the bureaucracy’s version of a closed door. And when it’s applied to survivors of exploitation, it starts to resemble a second punishment—this time for daring to survive in the first place.
Canceling 100,000 shekels doesn’t erase the harm she endured. But it does something almost as important: it restores the possibility of a future that isn’t permanently hostage to her past.
“It gives her hope,” said her attorney, Tamar.
Hope isn’t a slogan. It’s infrastructure. And sometimes, the most effective rehabilitation program begins with the simplest policy decision of all: stop charging people for their trauma.
Originally published in Ynet
A Mission to Secure Justice
The Blind Advocate: Guy Akuka’s Mission to Secure Justice for Israel's Wounded
Guy Akuka, nearly blind since birth, does not see the world like most people. With a visual range of only three meters, he has spent his life sharpening a different kind of vision: a profound sense of social justice. Today, as a senior attorney for the Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ), Akuka has become a lifeline for IDF veterans, providing expert legal representation to those navigating the grueling bureaucracy of the Ministry of Defense.
Legal Advocacy
While many lawyers charge thousands for specialized military advocacy, Akuka provides his services pro bono through JIJ. His mission is to ensure that no soldier is left behind by the system they served.
"I remember myself as a child being drawn to social issues and injustices," he told Israel Hayom. After overcoming significant hurdles to memorize his law school curriculum and pass the bar, he chose to leverage his degree for the public good. Now, under the banner of JIJ, he has become known as the "Defender of the Wounded."
Navigating the "Sea of Bureaucracy"
Representing veterans, Akuka enters the rooms where most dare not go. He accompanies families to medical committees—sometimes held in hospital rooms while the soldier is still unconscious—to determine disability percentages.
"It’s heartbreaking," Akuka says. "Families are in shock and pain, and amidst that, there is a sea of bureaucracy you can easily drown in."
His work has become even more critical following the Iron Swords War. Despite the national consensus on the sacrifice of soldiers, many fighters still struggle to receive recognition for PTSD. "They come to me helpless," Akuka explains. "The Jerusalem Institute of Justice provides this service for free because those who fought for the state shouldn't have to beg the state for recognition."
From the Hospital Room to the Knesset
Akuka’s work with JIJ isn't limited to individual cases; he is a force in the halls of power. He frequently appears before Knesset committees to draft legislation and file petitions to the High Court of Justice to fix systemic failures.
His current battle is one of his most painful: The Recognition of the Fallen.
"In the last two years, 68 soldiers and reservists committed suicide as a result of their service, yet the state does not recognize them as fallen soldiers. It’s a slap in the face to the families. Through the Institute, we have drafted a legal amendment to ensure they are recognized and their families are embraced as bereaved families."
The Ultimate Dream
Despite the grueling hours and the emotional toll of his work with JIJ, Akuka is looking toward the future. His ultimate goal is to move from the podium to the bench.
"I will be a judge in Israel," he declares. "That is the dream. To me, the judicial seat is the pinnacle of doing justice."
What can JIJ do in a year?
2024 was our busiest and most impactful year since our founding 20 years ago
With your help, in 2024, JIJ provided FREE legal aid to 2,733 survivors of terrorism, human trafficking, and discrimination, including:
- 32 wounded Israeli soldiers
- 40 survivors of human trafficking
- 17 survivors of the October 7th massacre
- 68 families seeking Israeli citizenship or residency
- 112 refugees from Ukraine, Russia, and Eritrea
- 120 Israeli families displaced from their homes on the Gaza & Lebanon borders
How does JIJ do all of this in one year? With you, our amazing supporters. Thank you!
Our media presence grew & our team appeared on:
We met personally with dozens of global leaders, including Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, United Nations SRSG Pramila Patten, & US Senators Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, & John Fetterman.
We shared our research, forensic evidence, and legal analysis with diplomats from 30 countries.
January - June
JIJ held a series of free “ Know Your Rights” seminars for:
- 120 Israeli families who became suddenly homeless, unemployed, or disabled as a result of the war
- 57 Ukrainian & Russian refugee families
- 9 of these families receive Israeli citizenship through the Law of Return
- 500 wounded soldiers
Gathered 84 political & religious leaders in the U.S. for a private screening of unedited, uncensored footage of the October 7th massacre recovered from the bodies of Hamas terrorists and compiled by the IDF.
Drafted an urgent petition to Stop Funding UNRWA & persuaded key members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committees to enact a 1-year ban on US funding to UNRWA.
Hosted UN diplomats from 18 countries to hear testimony from Yuval Raphael a survivor of the Oct. 7th massacre. Yuval went to the Nova Festival to dance all night with her friends. At dawn, Hamas invaded, and she sought refuge in a roadside bomb shelter, which became a tomb when terrorists found them.
Launched the Survivors Seeking Justice project, and filmed detailed video testimonies of 17 survivors of the Oct. 7th massacre.
JIJ lawyers presented forensic evidence & first responder testimony to senior UN officials. This proof confirmed a pattern of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on Oct. 7th and stopped the rape deniers in their tracks.
July-December
Discussed Israel’s anti-trafficking law with First Lady Michal Herzog. In 2018, JIJ persuaded the
Knesset to adopt a 5-year pilot program that treats women in the sex industry as victims of abuse, & the pimps as criminals. We’re advocating to make the law permanent!
JIJ assisted Israeli police in busting a major human trafficking ring - resulting in the arrest of 14 human traffickers, which was only possible through the testimony of our brave client.
We gave free seminars to soldiers recuperating at Ichilov & Tel Hashomer Hospitals. While private lawyers take 30-50% of a wounded soldier’s disability benefit as payment, JIJ is the only organization providing FREE legal aid to wounded Israeli soldiers, with 32 new soldier clients in 2024.
Intervened at the International Criminal Court with an amicus brief making it clear that the Court lacks jurisdiction over Israeli leaders.
Partnered with the World Union of Jewish Students to train & empower student leaders. Over 8 weeks, we trained 23 Jewish university students from 16 countries to combat antisemitism on their campuses.
The UN Human Rights Council convened a special gathering on the Jewish New Year, to condemn Israel. The timing was intentional - to prevent opposition. In response, we gave our General Assembly floor time to Amit Levy, brother of Naama Levy, who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7th. Amit gave powerful testimony on the need to free all of the hostages.
Every single donation you give, whether it’s $1000 or $10, changes lives!
What can JIJ do in a year?
2024 was our busiest and most impactful year since our founding 20 years ago
With your help, in 2024, JIJ provided FREE legal aid to 2,733 survivors of terrorism, human trafficking, and discrimination, including:
- 32 wounded Israeli soldiers
- 40 survivors of human trafficking
- 17 survivors of the October 7th massacre
- 68 families seeking Israeli citizenship or residency
- 112 refugees from Ukraine, Russia, and Eritrea
- 120 Israeli families displaced from their homes on the Gaza & Lebanon borders
How does JIJ do all of this in one year? With you, our amazing supporters. Thank you!
Our media presence grew & our team appeared on:
We met personally with dozens of global leaders, including Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog, United Nations SRSG Pramila Patten, & US Senators Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, & John Fetterman.
We shared our research, forensic evidence, and legal analysis with diplomats from 30 countries.
January - June
JIJ held a series of free “ Know Your Rights” seminars for:
- 120 Israeli families who became suddenly homeless, unemployed, or disabled as a result of the war
- 57 Ukrainian & Russian refugee families
- 9 of these families receive Israeli citizenship through the Law of Return
- 500 wounded soldiers
Gathered 84 political & religious leaders in the U.S. for a private screening of unedited, uncensored footage of the October 7th massacre recovered from the bodies of Hamas terrorists and compiled by the IDF.
Drafted an urgent petition to Stop Funding UNRWA & persuaded key members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committees to enact a 1-year ban on US funding to UNRWA.
Hosted UN diplomats from 18 countries to hear testimony from Yuval Raphael a survivor of the Oct. 7th massacre. Yuval went to the Nova Festival to dance all night with her friends. At dawn, Hamas invaded, and she sought refuge in a roadside bomb shelter, which became a tomb when terrorists found them.
Launched the Survivors Seeking Justice project, and filmed detailed video testimonies of 17 survivors of the Oct. 7th massacre.
JIJ lawyers presented forensic evidence & first responder testimony to senior UN officials. This proof confirmed a pattern of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on Oct. 7th and stopped the rape deniers in their tracks.
July-December
Discussed Israel’s anti-trafficking law with First Lady Michal Herzog. In 2018, JIJ persuaded the
Knesset to adopt a 5-year pilot program that treats women in the sex industry as victims of abuse, & the pimps as criminals. We’re advocating to make the law permanent!
JIJ assisted Israeli police in busting a major human trafficking ring - resulting in the arrest of 14 human traffickers, which was only possible through the testimony of our brave client.
We gave free seminars to soldiers recuperating at Ichilov & Tel Hashomer Hospitals. While private lawyers take 30-50% of a wounded soldier’s disability benefit as payment, JIJ is the only organization providing FREE legal aid to wounded Israeli soldiers, with 32 new soldier clients in 2024.
Intervened at the International Criminal Court with an amicus brief making it clear that the Court lacks jurisdiction over Israeli leaders.
Partnered with the World Union of Jewish Students to train & empower student leaders. Over 8 weeks, we trained 23 Jewish university students from 16 countries to combat antisemitism on their campuses.
The UN Human Rights Council convened a special gathering on the Jewish New Year, to condemn Israel. The timing was intentional - to prevent opposition. In response, we gave our General Assembly floor time to Amit Levy, brother of Naama Levy, who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7th. Amit gave powerful testimony on the need to free all of the hostages.
Every single donation you give, whether it’s $1000 or $10, changes lives!
Second Quarter 2023 Highlights
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice is making a substantial impact; read the quarterly highlights. Your continued support enables us to carry out our mission of protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, and advocating on behalf of Israel.
Two weeks ago, JIJ urgently submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding crucial policy changes related to crimes against or affecting children. Our unwavering aim is to drastically improve the current approach to addressing this critical issue and ensure that justice is served for all innocent victims. More details here.
JIJ has submitted a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Committee, revealing the stark discrepancies between the Palestinian government's claims of adhering to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the disturbing reality of inadequate law enforcement, incitement to violence, and numerous instances of torture and inhumane treatment of the Palestinian people. Read more here.
The proposed judicial reform in Israel has been a source of significant controversy. We have closely followed this debate, understanding the potential ramifications on democracy, the principle of checks and balances, and human rights within Israel. Find out more.
The Interior Ministry's decision to halt the provision of visa services negatively impacts the lives of many of JIJ's free legal aid clients. We have filed a petition with the High Court of Justice, urging the restoration of these vital services for thousands of people. We firmly believe that addressing matters such as passport backlogs is important. However, it should be done in a manner that avoids the creation of further complications. Learn more.
The participants of our GDC Israel program are making headlines. This program is dedicated to nurturing future leaders who will advocate for justice. We're immensely proud of their achievements. Check out their stories.
Lastly, we invite you to watch and share our video celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Israeli people. Watch the video here.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to keeping you informed about our ongoing efforts.
Click the button below if you wish to support our ongoing efforts like the ones listed above.
Second Quarter 2023 Highlights
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice is making a substantial impact; read the quarterly highlights. Your continued support enables us to carry out our mission of protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, and advocating on behalf of Israel.
Two weeks ago, JIJ urgently submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding crucial policy changes related to crimes against or affecting children. Our unwavering aim is to drastically improve the current approach to addressing this critical issue and ensure that justice is served for all innocent victims. More details here.
JIJ has submitted a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Committee, revealing the stark discrepancies between the Palestinian government's claims of adhering to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the disturbing reality of inadequate law enforcement, incitement to violence, and numerous instances of torture and inhumane treatment of the Palestinian people. Read more here.
The proposed judicial reform in Israel has been a source of significant controversy. We have closely followed this debate, understanding the potential ramifications on democracy, the principle of checks and balances, and human rights within Israel. Find out more.
The Interior Ministry's decision to halt the provision of visa services negatively impacts the lives of many of JIJ's free legal aid clients. We have filed a petition with the High Court of Justice, urging the restoration of these vital services for thousands of people. We firmly believe that addressing matters such as passport backlogs is important. However, it should be done in a manner that avoids the creation of further complications. Learn more.
The participants of our GDC Israel program are making headlines. This program is dedicated to nurturing future leaders who will advocate for justice. We're immensely proud of their achievements. Check out their stories.
Lastly, we invite you to watch and share our video celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Israeli people. Watch the video here.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to keeping you informed about our ongoing efforts.
Click the button below if you wish to support our ongoing efforts like the ones listed above.
High Court of Justice, Challenging the Interior Ministry
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High Court of Justice, Challenging the Interior Ministry
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JUSTICE, THE BIBLE, AND US
Operating in the only democracy in the Middle East, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice uses the law to seek equality and fair treatment. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, the country has been striving to find a balance between democratic values and its nature as a Jewish State.
We sometimes find a disparity between the law and political interests. For example, since the state’s beginnings, Jewish Ultra-Orthodox political factions have had a monopoly on matters of faith, deciding who is a Jew and who receives religious and civil rights. This creates huge challenges for other streams of Judaism and for those who profess any other faith, highlighting the need for the services provided by JIJ.
As an Israeli human and civil rights organization, JIJ draws its working principles from two monuments of thought. These are monuments that have decisively impacted western civilization. The first of course is the Bible, the second, which was written after the Holocaust, is the Universal Declaration of Human rights.
The Bible expresses God’s heart for the world, teaching us as it says in Micah 6:8, to walk humbly, pursue justice, love mercy, to have a proper regard for each person and to influence the development of a better society.
The rabbis in the Talmud say that the Torah begins and ends with justice. (Exodus Rabbah 30:19). But what is Justice? In Judaism, justice is the equal and right application of God’s law and morality for mankind.
In Hebrew, there is a clear connection between
- Justice-Tzedek,
- A righteous person- Tzadik,
- And acts of righteousness- Tzedakah
These terms are rooted in wisdom. The base of these words are three letters (tzadik, dalet and kuf) צ-ד-ק.
The only difference between the words is the addition of letters י(yud) and ה (heh) which both represent in Jewish tradition the full name of the Lord. Here we see the centrality of God in justice.
- To bring justice צדק,
- a godly person, צדיק,
- must perform godly acts, צדקה
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was based on Judeo-Christian values, mirrors the principles of human dignity, our responsibility to each other and personal freedoms.
Part 2 – coming soon