Israeli Man Seeks $700,000 in Damages from Volunteer Group
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
An Israeli man is suing the volunteer organization Yadid for 2.5 million shekels, alleging he received unsolicited donation requests via SMS after seeking free roadside assistance. The organization fears the lawsuit could hinder its operations, while many past beneficiaries support Yadid.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Man sues Yadid for 2.5 million shekels over donation texts.
- He sought free help before receiving the SMS.
- Yadid fears lawsuit will impact its volunteer work.
- Thousands of past users support the organization.
- A previous dispute ended in a small settlement.
An Israeli man, Amit Vorghaft, has filed a motion to certify a class-action lawsuit against the volunteer organization Yadid, seeking approximately 2.5 million shekels (about $700,000 USD) in compensation. The lawsuit stems from a text message requesting a donation that Vorghaft received after seeking free assistance from the group.
Vorghaft claims he did not consent to receive such messages and considers the SMS campaign a violation of the Telecommunications Law. He had contacted Yadid volunteers in Ashkelon after his car broke down. This is not Vorghaft's first dispute with Yadid; a similar case in 2022 concluded with a settlement where the organization paid him 1,000 shekels.
Yadid provides free assistance to drivers across Israel. The organization expressed concern that a significant financial penalty could harm its operations and limit its ability to help the public. Thousands of individuals who have previously used Yadid's services have opposed the lawsuit, stating that the organization provided them with necessary help free of charge and that Vorghaft's claims do not represent their views.
Vorghaft's lawyers maintain that the lawsuit is solely about the alleged illegal SMS distribution and is unrelated to the organization's volunteer work. The final decision in the case rests with the court.
