It is forbidden by law to discriminate against candidates for employment or against employees due to gender, age, religion, nationailty, country of origin, political beliefs. The equal employment opportunities law (1988) requires employers to pick out only relevant information about the candidates for the position they are looking to fill. If anyone is discriminated against they can contact the Equal opportunities commission for initial legal consultation. If the commission feels a case is justified they may take legal action against the offending employer. People who feel they were discrimated against may file a suit in labor court. The Equal opportunities commission contact information is:
The Equal opportunities commission נציבות שוויון
Address: 5 Bank of Israel st. Govt. quarter, Jerusalem כתובת: בנק ישראל 5, קריית הממשלה, ירושלים
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3166 Jerusalem 9103101 ת.ד. 3166, מיקוד
Tel: Tel-Aviv טלפון: ת”א – 03-7347215
Jerusalem ירושלים 02-6662367, 02-6662780
Haifa חיפה – 04-8613902/1
National commission נציבות ארצית – 02-6662701
Email: shivion@Economy.gov.il :דואר אלקטרוני

Want ads

A good want ad is one that describes the position and the requirements the employer seeks and encourages job seekers to apply for the position. When an employer places a want ad for a position. It is supposed to give the professional backround required while appealing to the widest range of potential candidates. the language and wording used, as well as any illustrations should reflect this. Avoid using language or wording that applies to one gender, a specific age group, color, ethnic backround, religion, nationality or residents of a certain area(s). Also avoid direct discrimination, such as “wanted: good looking men” or “looking for young woman”. Avoid circumventive discrimination, such as if a postion requires very little verbal communication do not write in the ad “high level command of Hebrew required”.

Job interviews

Not all questions are legal in a job interview. Personal questions such as “are you pregnant?”, “Do you intend on having more children?”, Aren’t you too old for this job?”, “do you smoke?” are totally illegal and also irrelevant. Employees who are asked illegal questions that do not relate to previous experience and knowledge should be met with a smile and “This question has nothing to do with the position, let’s please keep this interview professional.”
Questions regarding a candidate’s army service or National service – or lack of either, or whether they serve in reserves, what their rank is are also prohibited.
Employers are advised to have more than one interviewer present at job interviews and if possible should be representative of different groups of the population which will usually drastically reduce the chance of any discrimination occurring. Remember that as much as you are screening candidates, they are screening you as well. Keep it professional.

In cases where a candidate feels he/she was discriminated against, it is advisable to consult first with the commission and if necessary with a lawyer who specializes in labor law.