Tel Aviv Labor Court Orders Walla to Compensate Journalist Fired After October 7 Evacuation

The Tel Aviv Regional Labor Court ruled in favor of journalist Meital Kaufman, who sued her former employer Walla, owned by Eli Azur, over her dismissal following her evacuation from the Mefalsim kibbutz after October 7, 2023. Kaufman, who worked as editor of Walla Celebs since 2021, was evacuated the day after the October 7 attacks and was fired six months later. The court found that Walla violated emergency labor protection laws by dismissing her partly due to her absence caused by the evacuation.

Walla claimed Kaufman was fired for professional reasons predating the war and for low attendance at work and meetings. Kaufman sought 100,000 shekels in damages; the court partially accepted her claim and ordered Walla to pay 53,000 shekels in compensation, including 45,000 for non-monetary damages and 8,500 for legal fees. The court noted Walla’s refusal to present testimony from then-editor-in-chief Eran Tipenbron, who made the firing decision, which was held against the company.

The ruling highlighted that Walla arbitrarily doubled traffic targets for Kaufman’s section immediately after the war, setting unrealistic goals and sending warnings within a week, despite her section showing a 150% increase in views by March 2024. The court concluded that Walla failed to act in good faith and did not adequately consider the impact of the evacuation and Kaufman’s mental state.

Former Walla CEO Idan Elrom testified that raising targets was a company-wide response to increased traffic due to the war, but acknowledged the timing was insensitive. The court denied Kaufman’s request for reinstatement since she was fully paid and quickly found new employment. Walla has not responded to the ruling.

This case underscores the legal protections for employees during emergencies and the obligation of employers to act with heightened sensitivity and good faith.