Question 1

What is a disability under Israeli employment law?

Accepted Answer

Under the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law 5758-1998, a disability is any physical, mental, or intellectual impairment — whether permanent or temporary — that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The definition is broad and covers conditions such as chronic illness, visual or hearing impairment, mobility limitations, mental health diagnoses, and learning disabilities. A past disability or being perceived as having a disability is also protected.

Question 2

What reasonable accommodation must my employer provide?

Accepted Answer

An employer is required to make adjustments that enable an employee with a disability to perform their job — as long as those adjustments do not impose a disproportionate burden on the employer. Examples include modified working hours, adapted workstations, assistive technology, remote work arrangements, or reassignment to a different role. The employer must engage in a good-faith interactive process with the employee to identify suitable accommodations.

Question 3

Can my employer fire me because of my disability?

Accepted Answer

No. Dismissal on the basis of disability is prohibited under Israeli law. For employees who have worked at least six months and whose disability is related to their work or arose during their employment, dismissal requires prior approval from the Ministry of Economy's permit committee. If your employer dismisses you without this approval — or uses a pretext to conceal a discriminatory motive — the dismissal may be found unlawful and you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Question 4

What is the maximum compensation for disability discrimination in Israel?

Accepted Answer

The Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law allows a court to award compensation without proof of actual financial damage. The range is typically NIS 50,000 to NIS 250,000 per incident of discrimination, and in severe or repeated cases courts have awarded higher amounts. In addition, you may claim lost wages, reinstatement, and costs. The exact amount depends on the severity of the conduct, the employer's intent, and the harm suffered.

Question 5

How do I prove disability discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Once you establish that you have a disability and that you suffered an adverse employment action (dismissal, demotion, failure to hire, etc.), the burden of proof shifts to the employer to show that the action was taken for a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason. Evidence that strengthens a claim includes: timing of dismissal close to disclosure of the disability, inconsistent explanations from the employer, a pattern of discriminatory conduct, and statements made by managers about the disability.

Question 6

Does my employer need to know about my disability for the law to apply?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes — for reasonable accommodation claims the employer must be aware of the disability to be obligated to act. However, you are not required to disclose a disability proactively; if your employer perceives you as having a disability and discriminates on that basis, the law still protects you. It is advisable to document any disclosure you make and to request accommodation in writing so there is a clear record.

Question 7

What if I acquired a disability during my employment?

Accepted Answer

Employees who develop a disability while employed — due to illness, an accident, or a work-related injury — are fully protected under the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law from the moment the disability arises. Your employer must consider reasonable accommodations to keep you in your role. If you are dismissed after acquiring a disability, without the required permit, you may have strong grounds for a discrimination claim even if your employment record was previously unblemished.

Rights of a Disabled Employee in Israel
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Anti-Discrimination Law and Reasonable Accommodation

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Frequently Asked Questions — Rights of a Disabled Employee

Were You Discriminated Against Because of a Disability?

Rights of a Disabled Employee in IsraelReasonable Accommodation & Anti-Discrimination

Anti-Discrimination Law and Reasonable Accommodation

Dismissal Because of Disability — What to Claim

Frequently Asked Questions — Rights of a Disabled Employee

Were You Discriminated Against Because of a Disability?

Rights of a Disabled Employee in Israel
Reasonable Accommodation & Anti-Discrimination