Jerusalem Institute of Justice

Overview

As moral relativism trumps popular thought, society prides itself on the loss of values and conflation of the language of good and evil. This moral discrepancy creates confusion and in turn, complicates the legal system. It is vital that Israel reclaims morality and holds its citizens to a standard of justice. The Jerusalem Institute of Justice fights against the degradation of morality and advances Judeo-Christian values, which are focused on human equality, dignity and the protection of human life. More than ever, Israel, as a sovereign democratic state, is called to be a beacon of light among its neighboring nations. Through advocating in the justice system, JIJ seeks to help Israel to fulfill its mission.

Tolerance toward different beliefs, customs and views has always been a core value of the Jewish faith. However Israeli society, which is grounded in democratic values, does not act in accordance to this spirit of tolerance. While most Jewish communities in the Diaspora enjoy freedom of religion, and the exchange of views between all streams of faith, many Israelis are denied this basic liberty.

The principle of religious pluralism is a fundamental component of liberal thought and has gained worldwide recognition. Modern democratic governments, which base their political system on liberal principles, acknowledge this freedom in their constitutions. Although Israel was founded as a Jewish state, Israeli law guarantees religious and civil equality to all citizens, irrespective adherence to Jewish religious law. Israel is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Civil and Political Rights and other similar agreements. Moreover, various Supreme Court precedents have been established over the past half-century that outline the right to religious freedom in Israel. Laws such as the 1992 Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty Law, guarantee many other fundamental civil rights that are protected de facto in many countries with a constitution.

The existence of a liberal democracy in a Jewish state has given rise to a distinct difference between Israel’s legal idealism and realism. Oftentimes, members of the Jewish majority discriminate against non-Jews, or those whom they do not consider Jewish. By offering pro-bono and/or highly subsidized litigation and consultation services, and by spearheading various other projects, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice stands at the forefront of the battle for religious freedom and religious tolerance in Israel.

Over the first four and a half years, since its inception, the Jerusalem Institute of Justice has been successful in handling well over 330 cases, including 14 successful petitions to the Israeli High Court of Justice. It has combated the unequal application of the Law of Return and the Law of Citizenship, prevented revocation of citizenship and residency rights, safeguarded freedom of worship, and prevented unlawful termination of employment based on religious affiliation. Today, our organization is comprised of a staff of lawyers and legal activists from both Jewish and religious minority backgrounds, who fight together for a more pluralistic and democratic Israeli society.

Jerusalem Institute of Justice pioneers education initiatives geared toward teaching religious minorities their legal and political rights. The organization also hosts an annual “Know Your Rights” conference that educates current and future leaders of religious communities with regards to crucial rights of individuals and congregations, and helps members of such communities navigate difficult issues such as freedom of religious expression without transgressing Israel’s anti-proselytizing laws.

Furthermore, the Institute initiates ongoing social justice advocacy that focuses on facilitating humanitarian and social projects for the poor and needy in cooperation with government organizations and independent NGOs. We feel that dedication to justice, in the broader sense of the term, obligates us to help meet the needs of underprivileged Israeli citizens, who because of age, place of residence or socio-economic background lack the means to break out of the poverty cycle without assistance from friends and fellow-citizens.

“I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another.” Thomas Jefferson

• History
• Staff
• Goals