Volunteer Aid Group "Yedidim" Sued for $670,000 Over Donation Texts
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Amit Vorghaft is suing the volunteer organization "Yedidim" for 2.5 million shekels, alleging he received unsolicited donation requests via text message after accepting their free roadside assistance. The organization faces potential operational damage, while a group of beneficiaries supports "Yedidim" and opposes the lawsuit.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Volunteer group "Yedidim" sued for 2.5 million shekels over donation texts.
- Plaintiff claims texts were sent without consent, violating law.
- "Yedidim" warns lawsuit could harm its free services to Israelis.
- Beneficiaries support the organization and oppose the lawsuit.
- This is Vorghaft's second lawsuit against "Yedidim" for similar reasons.
Amit Vorghaft, who previously received assistance from the volunteer organization "Yedidim," has filed a lawsuit seeking 2.5 million shekels (approximately $670,000) in compensation. Vorghaft claims that after receiving free roadside assistance from the group, he was sent an unsolicited text message requesting a donation, which he alleges violates telecommunications law as he did not consent to receive such messages. "Yedidim," which boasts around 65,000 volunteers nationwide providing free emergency roadside assistance and help with bomb shelters, is now facing legal action that its representatives warn could severely impact its operations.
The lawsuit, filed as a representative collective action, was submitted to the court by Vorghaft, who initially sought help from "Yedidim" after his car broke down in Ashkelon. He asserts that the subsequent donation request message was sent without his permission, contravening the Telecommunications Law. This is not Vorghaft's first legal dispute with the organization; in 2022, a similar case concluded with "Yedidim" agreeing to pay him 1,000 shekels as part of a settlement.
Meanwhile, a group of thousands of drivers who have benefited from "Yedidim's" services has formed, led by former Knesset member Ayman Odeh. This group publicly opposes Vorghaft's lawsuit, stating it does not represent their views and that they received valuable, free assistance without harm. They emphasize that the lawsuit does not reflect their experience with the organization.
"Yedidim" hopes the court will dismiss the lawsuit, cautioning that a significant financial penalty could limit its ability to assist tens of thousands of Israelis daily. Vorghaft's lawyers, however, argue that their client has previously achieved positive outcomes in similar cases, leading to the cessation of unlawful practices and the recovery of illegally collected funds. They clarify that their claim is not against the volunteers but against the alleged years-long practice of sending promotional messages to over a million people without consent, in violation of the law. The organization claims it sent such messages only twice a year and stopped two years ago, but evidence presented to the court suggests otherwise, including a declaration from a recipient who received 11 messages over approximately two years.
