Repatriates to Receive Compensation for Cemetery Discrimination
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Repatriates from the former Soviet Union can claim compensation until December 4, 2026, for discriminatory burial practices by the "Chevra Kadisha" funeral society in Petah Tikva. The court ordered the society to pay 8.7 million shekels, with eligible families to receive at least 2,300 shekels each. The lawsuit, filed by "Gil Ron, Keinan and Partners" and Tel Aviv University, argued that separate burial sections constituted illegal discrimination. Marina Kegel is assisting families with the application process.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Repatriates have until December 4, 2026, to apply for compensation over cemetery discrimination.
- The "Chevra Kadisha" funeral society must pay 8.7 million shekels for discriminatory burial practices.
- Eligible families are set to receive at least 2,300 shekels each in compensation.
- The court ruled that cemeteries are public spaces subject to anti-discrimination laws.
- The lawsuit was filed by "Gil Ron, Keinan and Partners" and Tel Aviv University.
- Marina Kegel is assisting families in the application process.
Repatriates from the former Soviet Union have until December 4, 2026, to apply for compensation stemming from a class-action lawsuit against the "Chevra Kadisha" funeral society. The court found that "Chevra Kadisha" engaged in gross discrimination during burials of repatriates in Petah Tikva, and must return 8.7 million shekels to the families of the deceased. Those who miss the deadline will forfeit their share of the funds.
The case, which concluded with a ruling by Central District Court Judge Hana Kitzis, involved "Chevra Kadisha" burying Soviet repatriates in separate sections from 2009 to 2017. The society cited the practice of engraving portraits on headstones, which they claimed is forbidden by Halakha (Jewish law), as the reason for the segregation. However, the court deemed this discriminatory.
Families whose relatives were buried in these separate sections are eligible for compensation, estimated at a minimum of 2,300 shekels per family. The lawsuit was filed by the law firm "Gil Ron, Keinan and Partners" in conjunction with Tel Aviv University's class action clinic. Marina Kegel has been appointed by the court to identify eligible families and assist them in the application process.
Applications can be submitted via a link on the "Gil Ron, Keinan and Partners" website. Those with questions or uncertainties about their eligibility can contact the provided phone number, WhatsApp, or email.
The court's decision affirmed that cemeteries are public spaces subject to anti-discrimination laws, not religious dictates. This ruling, supported by Judge Kiner who approved the class action status, ensures that state laws protecting consumer rights apply to cemeteries, addressing the discrimination faced by thousands of individuals.