MK Dr. Aliza Lavie is the chairman of the subcommittee for the Struggle Against Trafficking of Women and Prostitution, member of the Economic Affairs committee, the committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women and Gender Equality, the Public Appeals committee, the Foreign Affairs and Defence committee and the Ethics committee. MK Dr. Aliza Lavie has served as the head of the parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe and is the chairman of both the Israel-Norway Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Israel-Czech Parliamentary Friendship League.Previously, MK Dr. Lavie has served as the head of the parliamentary delegation to the Council of Europe and chairman of both the Parliamentary Association of Israel-Norway and the Israel Parliamentary Society-Czech Friendship Association.
Parliamentary and Public Achievements
Verbal Violence Law – This bill expands the definition of verbal violence against healthcare workers and social workers to include publishing material that might incite physical violence to these persons
Still Births Law – A woman giving birth to a stillborn (sometimes known as “quiet birth”, birth to a fetus without a life) will receive the same benefits as a woman having a live birth. This includes a birth grant, maternity allowance and maternity leave. The law corrects the gap between the legal definition and the medical definition – so that a woman will receivebenefits for a pregnacy as early as the 22nd week. The proposal will allow the couple the time and means for recovery and coping with the physical and emotional issues following the loss. Following the efforts of MK Dr. Aliza Lavie: The Ministry of Health will treat women who have experienced still births. After two years of protracted political and public endeavors , a policy was first published by The Ministry of Health for the Treatment of Maternity. Aliza Lavie Law Initiative led and promoted the efforts for thepolicy. The purpose of the policy is to provide swift psychological and social support for women who have experienced a “silent birth” – from the moment of finding out through the entire medical process, burial, emotional support, and return to the community.
Patient’s Bill of Rights Law (9th Amendment) – Eliminating the need for the consent of a parent convicted of committing sexual or violent offenses against a child for the purpose of providing medical treatment to the child. Prior to the amendment, a child’s medical care was required to be approved by both parents fortreatment, even if one of the parents was convicted of assaulting the child..
Maternity Allowance for Self-Employed Women Law – The bill corrects the discrimination in the calculation of maternity allowance for self-employed women compared to hourly workers. Prior to the law, the calculation of maternity allowance was based on the mother’s monthly income 3 months before birth. In the period immediately following birth, women are generally forced to reduce the scope of their work, so that their pay does not accurately reflect their regular wages for the purpose of calculating the maternity allowance. The bill will enable the independent person to choose that the determining salary be calculated according to the income of the corresponding period in the previous year, thereby helping independent women at a critical time when their income is impaired.
Women’s Rights at Work Law – Women will be able to work in employment that requires weapons upon their release from the army. The Weapons Bill (Amendment – Restriction of Age for Granting Licenses to Firearms) is as follows: the age of the license to carry weapons is reduced from the age of 21 to the age of 20 so that female soldiers will also be able to work in security companies immediately upon their release from Matzah.
Women’s Rights – Domestic Violence Law – The Income Support Bill (Amendment – Eligibility for a Woman in a Shelter for Battered Women) states: A woman who stays in a shelter for battered women for more than 30 days will be entitled to a benefit under the Income Support Law, regardless of her financial situation before entering the shelter. Prior to the amendment, women who arrived at shelters could receive the allowance only if they had been entitled to it before, although the very fact that they stayed in the shelter often harmed women who could not work. The proposal will help women who have experienced the inferno of violence to develop economic independence and continue their lives.
Protection of minors and helpless persons Law – The Hours of Work and Rest Law states that a person who fulfills the commandments of his religion may refuse to work on the day of rest, subject to the submission of an affidavit attesting to the observance of his religion. The amendment to the law will also allow non-religious workers not to work on the day of rest fixed in respect thereof, without the need for an affidavit and without this being grounds for dismissal or non-acceptance of work. The bill added a clause allowing the ministerial committee to exclude certain places of work because of unique reasons related to the same place of work, and if the ministerial committee believes that the application of this section is liable to cause significant harm to the same place of work. The proposal accurately reflects the essence of a Jewish and democratic state that does not discriminate between people because of their religious observance.
Proposed Rabbinical Courts (Marriage and Divorce) Law (Amendment No. 4 and Temporary Order)– A government bill enacted following a private bill proposed by MK Aliza Lavie (Amendment – International Jurisdiction for Divorce): The Government Bill in question was to expand the international jurisdiction of the rabbinical courts to hear Jewish divorce cases, even when they do not have connection to the State of Israel as currently established in the Rabbinical Courts Jurisdiction Law Additonally it will allow for the power to apply sanctions for the enforcement of a get if necessary. This law proposes a solution for situations of Agunot and conscientious objection to which their spouses find themselves in, especially Jewish women around the world, which is not by the courts in the relevant foreign satisfactory solution. The justification arrangement is the centrality of the State of Israel as a Jewish state and its importance in Jewish life around the world, in the face of the inability of Jewish women throughout the world to find a solution to the problems of divorce refusal dock.
An Alternative to Detention for a Person Against Whom a Criminal Investigation has been opened on Suspicion of Committing a Sexual Offense – The prevention of the employment of the suspect in places defined in the law to prevent the employment of sex offenders in certain institutions, including work that enables regular contact with minors, persons with intellectual, developmental or helpless disabilities. In addition, the police may not issue a permit not to prevent the employment of persons suspected of sexual offenses. The law makes it clear unequivocally: Anyone suspected of a sexual offense will not work with minors and will deny him a certificate of integrity. We are committed to protecting our children, and the Israel Police is responsible for monitoring the information available to us about sex offenders. Sexual abuse is a lifelong scar for the victim and the whole family. It is our duty to create a safe and protected environment and to prevent any possible sexual abuse.
Regarding Grants for Times of Adjustment Law – An amendment to an existing law, that allows for domestic violence victims who are released from rehabilitation facilities to be entitled to the same monetary assistance they received while at the facility for an additional two months. The amendment stipulates that women receive the grant on the day of their release, which increases their chances for integration and independence without returning to their abusive partners.
Access to data on salaries by gender Law – Prior to this law, only government agencies presented data on salaries by gender. Following the law, companies contracting to the government, will be required to collect and process payroll data by gender and to reduce the wage gap between women and men, while being completely transparent.
Amendment to the law on the prevention of sexual harassment Law – Reinforces the prevention of victim intimidation and wrongful termination in sexual harassment cases. In cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, the burden of proof is on the employer rather than the complainant.
Equal pay for male and female workers Law – A female worker who earns less than her male colleague can claim compensation for the gap in wages, in addition to the gender discrimination she has faced. (in accordance with Supreme Court judge Orit Goren, who revealed that she earns less than her male colleagues who have the same job).
Legislation that Promises Proper Representation of Women in Municipal Government Law – The bill rewards municipal parties that have at least one-third female representation with an extra fifteen percent in funds being provided.
Regulation of the Divorce Litigation Procedure Law – The purpose of the law is to assist the parties involved in a marital conflict, to resolve the conflict by mediation in counseling centers, funded by the state, before facing litigation, thus reducing the grief and the cost for those involved. According to this new law, upon request, a judge will open preliminary proceedings, during which the couples are encouraged to reach an agreement; only if they are unsuccessful in settling an agreement will the case resort to legal proceedings.
Local elections (elections) Law – Prisoners may also participate in elections for local authorities. A proposal that for the first time allows prisoners to vote in local elections, similar to the general elections for the Knesset. The law provides that a prisoner held in prison custody or a detainee held in a place of detention on Election Day will be entitled to vote in the general elections to the local authorities at a polling station for prisoners to be determined by the Minister of the Interior, in the prison or place of detention.
Proposals in the Legislative Stages
Rehabilitation and Assistance for Those Who Have Been Sex Workers – This law provides assistance and rehabilitation for those who have been sex workers through the establishment of an extensive inter-ministerial rehabilitation system. The purpose of the law is to reduce e prostitution in Israel while providing assistance to women, men and minors, so that they may escape prostitution.
Electronic Cuff for Suspicious Violent Persons – This law will allow the use of electronic means of supervision to prevent domestic violence. According to the proposal, a man defined as a dangerous person – to whom a restraining order has been issued by the court – will bear an electronic cuff that will alert him if he approaches the area that is endangering his domestic partner. The proposal will assist in enforcing restraining orders and will provide the police and women with the time to take precautionary measures in advance.
Work on the Sabbath – Those who are not religious may choose not to work on the Sabbath. This amendment will also allow non-religious people to choose not to work on the Sabbath without risking dismissal. The proposal would cancel the existing requirement in the law to submit an affidavit attesting to the observance of religious precepts, thereby correcting long standing discrimination between employees in relation to the weekly rest day.
Preference for Businesses Owned by Women in Local Authorities – This Proposed bill for Amendment of the Municipalities Ordinance (Encouragement of Women in Business) 5701 -2015, which grants preference to women -owned businesses in tenders of local authorities. Following this law, the Minister of the Interior enacted regulations in the spirit of the law. The regulations when into effect in June 2016.
Proposed bill for accompanying of a newborn waiting for further legislation in the Labor, Welfare, and Health committee. To allow for parents to accompany a baby during tests done after birth.
The proposed bill to prevent the employment of sex offenders in certain institutions. (Amendment – increased enforcement against sex offenders) states that the police will forward on information to work places or institutions when sex offenders who have been convicted or indicted.
The Knesset Plenum, in its first reading has approved a bill that would allow the courts the authority to impose sanctions on men refusing to give a get (divorce) to women. This would occur upon their arrival to Israel, thus assisting women who are also not citizens of Israel. This is a joint and ground-breaking initiative, initiated by MK Lavie in cooperation with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Religions, together with the Rabbinical Courts and the European Rabbinical Conference, designed to provide the state with tools to assist chained women throughout the Jewish world. The text of the government bill was approved in the first reading and will be brought for discussion with required amendments during the upcoming session.
Law for the Regulation of Sperm Donations in Israel – A law designed to regulate the issue of sperm donations in Israel. This law will be promoted together with a government bill on the subject.
Compensation Without Proof of Damage to Victims of Sexual Assault – According to the proposed bill, in a civil suit for torts that was filed following the conviction of sexual offense, the course may require the defendant to pay the plaintiff compensation up to NIS 1.5 million without any proof of damage. Toward the end of 2016, the Minister of Justice announced that she would make a similar proposal following MK Lavie’s Bill.
Proposed ‘Law of the Couple’- Since the 19th Knesset, MK Dr. Aliza Lavie has been leading the couples’ covenant bill, signed by all members of the Yesh Atid party, whose goal is to enable anyone who wishes to live in a legally recognized civil legal framework. This proposal creates a new civil legal institution in the State of Israel, which will exist alongside the existing institution of marriage, without prejudice to the status or nature of marriage and religious divorce.
Proposed Transparency Law in Ottoman Societies – In the 20th Knesset, MK Lavie, together with the Yesh Atid party, is leading the struggle to apply transparency to Ottoman organizations such as the Histadrut, the Hotel Association, the Teachers Association and many other bodies. These are all organizations which re exceptionally unregulated and do not have to report to authorities in comparison with other organizations.
The Western Wall Planning Bill – Following the uproar caused by the cancellation of the outline of the Western Wall and the crisis in relations with Diaspora Jewry, MK Aliza Lavie submitted a bill to implement the entire Western wall plan on behalf of the Yesh Atid party.
Bill of Exemption from Military Service for Religious Reasons – According to the proposal, the Defense Service Law will be amended so that girl who request an exemption from military service will only need to sign in either the religious court or the civil court. This is to halt the phenomenon of intensive enlistment in schools which pressures young religious women who do not want to enlist in the IDF.
Public Council for the Western Wall – MK Lavie is leading a proposal for the establishment of a public council that will manage the Western Wall plaza in a transparent and national manner for the benefit of the entire Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora. Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority, public representatives appointed by the Prime Minister in consultation with the Chief Rabbis (representing the congregation) and representatives of the Council.
Transparency in Burial Rates – A proposed bill would require all burial societies to determine the price lists of their burial plots and publish them in their offices and on the website of the Ministry of Religious Services. This move will increase transparency in the process of purchasing a grave, prevent blackmail and help the family of the deceased and his/her loved ones make an informed decision in the difficult moments after loss.
Conferences, Lobbying and Events
Conference on the incrimination of the clientele of prostitutes at the Israel Bar Association: As part of the struggle against prostitution, MK Lavie held a special conference in conjunction with the Israel Bar Association on the subject of the law to incriminate consumers of prostitution. The conference was held prior to the publication of recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial committee which examines the various aspects related to the policy of prohibiting prostitution in Israel. The conference was attended by the head of the Israel Bar Association – Adv. Effi Naveh, Director General of the Ministry of Justice – Adv. Ami Palmor, Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court – Ronit Poznansky, Dr. Amir Shani of Ben Gurion University, social worker Yael Gur – Director of the Levinsky Clinic, and Idit Harel Shemesh – founder of “Myth – For the Day after Prostitution.”
A conference with the participation of Carole Gilligan: For the first time in the Knesset, MK Lavie hosted Professor. Carol Gilligan, one of the most esteemed and important researchers of gender in the world. Professor Gilligan lectured on “The Politics of Listening.” The discussion included Professor Gilligan questioning the place of women in the Haredi and religious sectors, gender differences that have been established in the first chapter of the Bible, the tension and complexity between her research and the reality on the ground today, the challenges of the younger generation in the age of networks and social media and the appearance of eating disorders, body image problems and more.
Conference on Sperm Donation: Knesset member Aliza Lavie held a special conference on the regulation of the sperm donation market in Israel. Many people participated including; mothers, children born through sperm donations, professionals, sperm bank managers, Halacha officials and others. The discussion took place against the background of the activity to regulate it via legislation. Donation is currently being conducted without a unified database and without proper supervision. The conference brought an agreement among all the parties regarding the urgency of regulating the issue, with the aim of avoiding meetings between siblings (half siblings of the same donor) and incest.
Marking the International Agunah Day – Every year as an MK, Dr. Aliza Lavie runs an event to mark the International Agunah Day on the Fast of Esther. In 2016, Aliza initiated, together with the organization Yad L’isha, a discussion in the committee on the Status of Women on the topic of “gaps between the treatment of women refused divorce in courts in Israel and in courts abroad”. Among the participants were Knesset members from different parties, agunot, women’s organizations, directors of courts, and representatives of the courts.
Annual Conference with the IDF Associations – for Memorial Day: Every year, in preparation for Memorial Day, MK Lavie holds a conference for the memory of the IDF’s fallen soldiers, together with the Association for Psychological Support of IDF soldiers, together with companies and public representatives.
Conference on Exposing the Results of the PIAAC Survey in Knesset – On 28.6.16 there was a conference on the findings of the PIAAC skills survey. The skills survey is an international survey conducted by the OECD organization in over 30 countries, with the purpose of determining whether the adult population (ages 16-65) have the tools required to face the social and economic challenges of the 21st century. The survey findings were first revealed in the Knesset, in a special conference led by MK Aliza Lavie, together with the Central Bureau of Statistics.
Conference on Conversion – Immediately after the 20th Knesset session began, MK Lavie hosted a conference on the topic of conversion. MK Lavie invited Rabbis dealing with the topic, organization, academics, and representatives from the Rabbinate and members of Knesset. In the conference, critical issues on the agenda were discussed and a number of suggestions arose regarding this issue.
Conference in Memory of Joe Benkov – (15.2.16) MK Aliza Lavie, along with the Yisrael Beiteinu Global Movement, hosted an event in the Knesset in honor of the launch of Joe Benkov’s book in Hebrew.Joe Benkov was an author, a Holocaust survivor, and the chairman of the Norwegian Parliament. The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Norway’s Ambassador to Israel, and Israel’s Ambassador to Norway all attended the event.
Conference of Young Adults on Shortened Military Service – Following Yesh Atid’s achievements regarding equality, the policy on shortening the required army service came into effect. This policy decreased the required service by four months for anyone who drafted during or after July 2014. MK Lavie hosted a discussion on the topic with the Economic Affairs committee, as well as a conference for young adults, so as to discuss the implications of this policy and to celebrate this achievement.
Special Day in Knesset on the Topic of The Workforce of Tomorrow. On 02.02.16 the Knesset dedicated a special day to “The Challenges of Tomorrow in Employment: Rethinking Education and Training in the World of a Changing Workforce”. Special discussions were held in various committees: Internal Affairs and Environment, Economic Affairs, State Control, Education, the Status of Women, Science and Technology, the Status of the Elderly, and the Labor and Welfare committee. In addition, there was a conference on “Employment in Israel in 2050” which was attended by Prof. Avi Simchon, the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Michal Tzuk, head of employment at the Ministry of Economy, Professor David Pessig, Adina Bar Shalom, and Professor Avi Weiss. On the same day, motions were submitted to the Economic Affairs committee for discussion, a bill that encourages women in business passed its preliminary reading.
Special Day on the Prevention of Violence in the Family and Society 16.01.18 – Aliza Lavie initiated a special day in the Knesset to deal with violence in society and the network through community, social and technological initiatives, initiated by the initiative to train beauticians to identify signs of violence towards women and expanded to a number of other projects presented during the day. The special day was attended by the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Religious Services, Facebook, Google Israel, the Association of Cosmeticians and more. In the discussions, community and technological projects were presented and cooperation of social organizations identified how to deal with violence, online vulnerability and sexual harassment. At the main conference, the director-general of the Ministry of Social Affairs announced that MK Lavie’s initiative to provide training to identify signs of violence against women would enter the Ministry of Labor and Welfare’s official training system this year.
In the 20th Knesset, MK Lavie is the chairwoman of six caucuses
Lobbying with Religion and State – During the twentieth Knesset, the Lobby held discussions on the following topics: Alternatives to Religious Services, Marriage in Israel, Kashrut, Conversion, Bambi Sheleg Memorial Conference, Religious Councils and more.
The Student Lobby – The 20th Knesset; the lobby held discussions on students and employment issues.
Lobby for Lone Soldiers – The Lone Soldiers Lobby held two conferences in the 20th Knesset:
First conference 6.6.16 – on the subject of lone immigrant soldiers and their integration into society after the liberation.
Second Conference 20.3.17 – Lone soldiers without family ties.
Lobby for the struggle against delegitimization against the State of Israel
Lobbying for body image
Lobby for Preservation of Sites
Parliamentary and Public Achievements
For the first time: Girlfriends of fallen IDF soldiers achieve recognition.
Procedure for a member of the IDF – spouses of female soldiers receive recognition
Following the activity of MK Aliza Lavie in front of the army, a new procedure was adopted in the IDF, which regulates the delivery of the notice to the company, seven days off (not at regular expense), and professional and psychological assistance.
A new procedure is also in the civil service – civil societies are also recognized. Following a request by the State Service Commissioner, Aliza Lavie, a new procedure has been adopted that also recognizes civil companies working in the civil service, so that both his son and his spouse will receive days off on Shiva and on Memorial Day.
The gender budget reflects the distribution of resources between men and women at the national level, obligates the ministries to examine themselves from year to year, and helps narrow gaps and promote equality in society. In the previous Knesset, Lavie set up the professional committee to examine the gender budget, and its recommendations were approved by a government decision, which requires all ministries to submit their budget with a dedicated section that analyzes the distribution of resources from a gender perspective. The gender budget came into effect in the 20th Knesset in the 2015-2016 budget. Starting with the budget for the years 18-2017, the ministries are committed to a gender analysis of 100 percent of their budget.
Cooperation with Facebook Israel to eradicate prostitution: After meeting with Facebook representatives around the world, Facebook changed its policy of blocking Facebook pages that advertise prostitution.
Determination of the “Company Procedure” in the IDF – Following the Operation Tzuk Eitan, MK Lavie enlisted to assist IDF fallen soldiers and demanded that the IDF include a message to his girlfriend or his partner. The soldiers were also entitled to receive seven days of special leave for the seven days of the shiva.
An initiative to train women cosmetologists to identify signs of violence against women – the cosmeticians, who maintain a personal and continuous relationship with many women, will first receive tools to identify violence among patients and can help prevent the next tragedy. The activities of MK Lavie led to the integration of training programs for the identification and treatment of victims of domestic violence as part of the vocational training system of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and to be trained to identify physical, verbal and economic violence against women who are being treated. The first training program in collaboration with the Association of Cosmeticians and the Women’s Spirit Association.
Approved: Eligibility for maternity allowance for National Service volunteers: A private draft bill submitted by the Minister of Social Affairs and signed by the Minister of Social Affairs and signed an agreement that will also provide eligibility for maternity allowances to the girls of the National Service, similar to female soldiers. Until the amendment – the period of service of National Service girls was not recognized as a qualifying period for the purpose of calculating their entitlement. The amendment will reduce gaps and make it easier for young women who have contributed greatly to integration into society and employment.
Access to Mikvahs for People with Disabilities – Following the work of MK Aliza Lavie with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Social Equality, a project was implemented to make Mikvah baths for disabled women throughout the country, which now have to travel long distances to reach one of 30 accessible Mikvehs. By the Ministry of Religious Services and the Office for Equality for Social Equality, and will invest NIS 8 million.
Female Soldier-Teachers- Leading of the campaign against the cancellation of the “green lane” for female soldiers serving as tour guides. The bill that Aliza proposed on the topic was brought to the Ministerial committee for Legislative Affairs and subsequently, the Ministry of Defense corrected the issue to allow for the continuation of the soldier teachers.
The Jerusalem Railway– As a result of the motion filed by MK Lavie, the Ministry of Transportation established a committee that would examine the failures of the trains. The committee’s report was submitted to the Minister.
Eruv in the Dead Sea Hotels Area– Following a query submitted to the Minister for Religious Affairs about the lack of an eruv in the Dead Sea hotels area, the minister pledged on Ynet to work towards the establishment of an eruv (in the plenum, he said that the work would be completed soon). In addition, MK Lavie contacted the Hotel Association to enlist their help in solving this crisis. Owing to the involvement of the chairmen of the Israel Hotel Association, the Tamar Regional Council will take responsibility, and within the next month, the eruv should be ready.
Women in Sports– The fight for the budget for the Premier Women’s Basketball League. Following a discussion, MK Lavie managed to outline an agreement between the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport with the Premier Women’s Basketball League, whereby the league was promised a sum of 2.4 million shekels, which was fully disbursed, and the League returned to regular activity.
Mobilization of the Campaign Against Road Accidents– MK Lavie initiated a discussion in the Economic Affairs committee and submitted a query to the Ministry of Transportation.
Leading of public opposition to a decision to disable the prior decision of the government on conversion during the 33rd Government – Together with MK Elazar Stern, MK Lavie submitted an urgent letter to the Prime Minister, Justice Minister, Education Minister, Religious Services Minister, and the Legal Advisor for the Government in order to prevent the hijacking of conversion in Israel and to promise a timely and accessible conversion for thousands of applicants.
Protection of dipping in mikvahs – Following a bill proposed by MK Lavie in the 19th Knesset on this issue and a lively public discourse, the Ministry of Religious Affairs accepted Lavie’s appeal and published new procedures that allow every woman to immerse herself in her own will and practice while preserving her privacy. In the 20th Knesset, MK Lavie again presented the proposal as a response to Gafni’s bill, which significantly restricted the women’s freedom of baptism, and following a struggle with the proposal, a new version was formulated that did not violate the privacy of the women.
Broad Discussion in Knesset Regarding Police Violence Against Ethiopians– Following the beating of the soldier Dimas by a police officer, MK Lavie initiated an urgent motion on the topic, whereby fifty MKs signed the motion. Following the debate, the issue was raised by both the public and parliamentary agendas, and the decisions were discussed in depth as part of the Knesset committees.
Against the Decision to Not Appoint Rabbi Riskin– Following the decision not to appoint Rabbi Riskin, which is against common practice, MK Aliza Lavie made a public statement and spoke with him directly.
Leading Initiatives on Behalf of Women in the Rabbinical Court– MK Lavie established herself as one who addresses inquiries on issues related to women’s rights in Rabbinical courts
- When MK Lavie heard about a woman who was refused a get by the rabbinical court, sentenced to prison and placed in a hospital where she was handcuffed to a bed, she immediately went to the hospital to visit her, spoke to the police, and had them remove the handcuffs. Later, it was understood that this woman was not refused a get and MK Lavie connected her with lawyers from the Rakman Center who represented her in the court and helped her get a divorce under fair conditions.
In addition to my struggle for the rights of the fallen soldiers, Lavie wrote to the defense minister to raise the issue of the fiasco of the religious victims, whose religious outlook can not prove a common household that prevents them from being recognized as common-law. A bill was subsequently submitted.
Actions Against Abusive Cults– After a public appeal from desperate parents, MK Lavie entered the dark world of cults in Israel. Parents informed her of the conduct in Midreshet Beer Miriam, which was directed like a cult for all intents and purposes—the girls were distanced from their parents and completely changed their lifestyle. After learning of this, Aliza became involved and conducted personal appeals to the relevant offices including the Mayor of Jerusalem. A closure was issued upon the Midrasha and the Rabbi who directed the Midrasha had his activities halted.
Following the incident, MK Lavie proposed a bill in cooperation with MK Orly Levy to prevent harmful activities in abusive cults.
Rights of Assistants in Preschools- After MK Lavie worked on this issue in the 19th Knesset, Naftali Bennett, current Minister of Education suggested increasing the number of assistants working in preschools. MK Lavie wrote to him and to the Minister of Finance, Moshe Kahlon, calling on them to provide these women with job security through the Ministry of Education, ensuring their rights.
Safe Internet– The phenomenon of internet shaming kept MK Lavie busy during the 19th Knesset, when she dedicated the International Day for Eliminating Violence Against Women to the subject of cyberbullying. In the 20th Knesset, she continues to work on this issue. MK Lavie initiated a quick discussion in the Science and Technology committee, which was attended by global Facebook representatives, whom she also met for a personal conversation after the meeting. Together, they discussed the possibilities of promoting safe internet that is not abusive to children. MK Aliza Lavie called for the establishment of a public council in Israel for internet safety.
Employment of Ultra-Orthodox Women– MK Lavie invited Ultra-Orthodox women, who have been unable to achieve representation in the Knesset, to represent their interests at the committee for Advancement of Women and Gender Equality in the 19th Knesset as observers. In the 20th Knesset, Aliza continues to fight for their right to an equal salary, representation, equal funding for their education and more. Further, Aliza updated the Minister of Economics, Aryeh Deri on all relevant issues and they continue working together to create solutions. MK Lavie also submitted a query to Deri, who promised to take care of promoting the rights of the Ultra-Orthodox women.
Following the call for a national authority to prevent violence against women, MK Lavie established an Inter-Ministerial subcommittee Between the Office of Public Security and the Office of Social Affairs, for the Eradication of Domestic Violence. Before the establishment of the subcommittee, Aliza hosted a special discussion during the Knesset’s summer break, to hear about the failures and weaknesses, and to map out what is happening in offices, institutions, and organizations engaged in this topic.
Crisis of the Professional Women’s Basketball League against Toto. After Toto unilaterally cancelled its marketing agreement with the League, which stood at 2 million shekels, and left the Women’s Basketball League in Israel in a hopeless situation, MK Lavie convened a special meeting during the Knesset recess. In the urgent meeting that she initiated, Aliza demanded that Toto and the sports directors return the money and come to an immediate and permanent solution. After challenging work and close cooperation with the chairman of the League, accountant Iris Stark, a new layout was formulated for the allocations of resources through Toto and Etna.
Establishment of a procedure that allows for the beginning of the construction of dormitories, and implementation of the governmental resolution. Thanks to the procedure, the first stage will begin the building of 400 new dormitories.
Assistance for Spouses of Reserve Soldiers- Spouses of reserve soldiers that served in Operation Protective Edge and were left at home with the increased burden of work and home management are entitled to assistance and support due MK Aliza Lavie’s show of strength on their behalf.
The committee for the Examination of the State Budget in a Gender Perspective headed by Yael Mevorach, which was established following Lavi’s initiative, presented its conclusions and recommendations, which were approved by a government decision.
In the Special committee for discussion on the Public Broadcast Bill, MK Lavie was responsible for many amendments regarding gender – first and foremost defining the role of public broadcasting as news programs, as well as adjusting the issues on the agenda to give equal representation and reference to different sections of the population and different genders in the daily agenda. Additionally, improving proper representation of women in the review and screening committees, establishing a unit that will implement a gender-aware mindset in broadcasting and budgeting, and the establishment of a staff that ensures that harmful content will not be broadcast.
Establishment of a joint team with the Manufacturers Association to promote equal pay in the workplace. The cooperation was announced as part of a special session to mark 50 years of the Equal Pay Act.
A joint committee of the Economic Affairs committee and the committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality approved the amendments for public housing tenants regarding the right to live in public housing after splitting from one’s partner. After a split, the right to rent a public apartment goes to the spouse who has primary care over the children, except in cases where one spouse suffers from disabilities.
Realization of Entitlement to Maternity Benefits- Petition to the national insurance for the location of 5,000 women who had not claimed their entitlement to maternity benefits. Nearly 30 million shekels that belonged to them had been held up with the national insurance.
Guaranteeing Women’s Representation in the Locker committee to set the defense budget, the subcommittee on the Defense Budget, the Foreign Affairs and Defense committee, the Perry committee for the equal burden in army service, and the Shashinsky committee on oil and gas resources in the country.
Combating insurance coverage cases of sexual harassment – Leading a public struggle against companies that sold insurance policies against sexual harassment. Following him, the Ministry of Finance’s insurance supervisor imposed fines on two companies that sold these policies and distributed a procedure that sharpened the prohibition.
Approval of regulations against sexual harassment in higher education institutions– in continuation with the discussion in the committee that took place on this topic approximately a year ago. The regulations require each institution to hold at least one academic year of training, give access to information on how to file a complaint regarding a possible referral and assistance services. In addition, major institutions will be responsible for appointing at least two workers of each type for the institution. The institutions will have to report to the committee once per year. Aliza wrote the following amendments that were brought to the committee and approved.
Aliza held a special conference with MK Michal Byrne on behalf of wage workers in cooperation with the Forum for the Advancement of Workers’ Rights, and will continue to promote legislation on this topic.
For the first time, the director of National Service and Nonprofit Organizations came to report on ways of handling cases of sexual harassment. As a result of the committee’s hearing, the director approved a uniform procedure to deal with the issue, and she will be responsible for an annual report to the committee.
A special session, attended by the British Ambassador to Israel, Matthew Gould, on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict areas, and declaration of foreign ministers of G8 countries that sexual violence in war zones is a flagrant violation of the Geneva Accords. The hearing took place concurrently in 40 parliaments around the world.
A code of ethics for dealing with sexual violence in the media- the groundbreaking code, constructed in cooperation with media organizations, the Association of Crisis Centers, the Second Authority and the Israel Democracy Institute, is designed to ensure a joint effort in dealing with cases of sexual violence in the media, which could hurt victims of sexual offenses again, as well as the general public.
Promise to Supervise Advertisement Clips with Harmful Content– After a request to change or lower the number of harmful advertisements advertised by the Postal Authority, Aliza is continuing to supervise and regulate the content of commercials, especially with governmental companies, and with regards to this issue, she is writing a code of ethics for media entities.
Discrimination Against Women in the IDF- An unnamed journalist assisted in exposing the Security Ministry. Owing to reasons that range from historical factors during the establishment of the State and economic calculations, the Security Ministry avoided the distribution of national health insurance for maternity benefits for those women serving in the IDF. MK Lavie petitioned the Security Minister, after which the issue was taken care of and the IDF promised the maternity benefits to the rightful claimants.
Care for Female Victims of Violence– After the first tour that MK Lavie took with the help of the Minister of Social Affairs, together they created a pilot program whereby three shelters will open their doors to mothers with adolescents. This avoids the difficult conflict in which mothers must decide between receiving shelter assistance or staying with their adolescent children who are not allowed to join them in the shelters.
The Lavi Tunnels – MK Lavi submitted an urgent query to the Minister of Transport regarding the high prices in the Carmel Tunnels, which did not satisfy MK Lavie and sent a letter to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Transport requesting a change of the agreement between the State and Carmelton.
Sexual abuse in religious society Following the affair of the “Rabbi from the North”, in which it was revealed that community leader Ezra Sheinberg sexually assaulted women within the community, MK Lavie met with Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, In addition, a letter was sent to Dov Berkowitz regarding the establishment of a police unit dealing with sexual abuse in the religious and ultra-Orthodox sectors in order to provide a response to the sensitivities in this regard.
In light of an urgent proposal submitted by MK Lavie in September 2015 concerning the strike of Christian schools and subsequent meetings of the Education committee, the government decided to transfer NIS 50 million to these schools. Recommendations were submitted in March 2016
Training of Judges– After many incidences of inappropriate utterances made by judges, a special session was convened by the committee on the Status of Women, attended by the Minister of Justice and the director of the judicial courts. During the discussion, it was decided to establish special training for judges on the subject of sexual harassment. Following the discussion, a forceful and decisive opinion was received by the President of the Supreme Court, Judge Asher Grunis, explaining the court’s commitment to protecting victims of sexual assault.
Integration of Women into the Workforce– Many letters to the committee pointed out that the new law simply encouraged women into the workforce, but did not implement practical, genuine change. MK Lavie contacted the Minister of Finance, Naftali Bennett, and the committee for the Advancement of the Status of Women and approved a detailed timetable, issuing regulations to implement within the law.
MK Aliza Lavie initiated a conference on the topic of termination of pregnancy, together with Meretz Chairman MK Zahava Gal-On, and Minister of Health Yael German. In the conference, the discussions focused on the necessity of terminations of birth, as well as how they work.
Kosher Shechita in Poland– After a visit to Poland where MK Lavie met many Polish members of parliament, she worked vigorously to change the decision of the Polish parliament to ban kosher shechita in Poland. After a lot of effort, the Polish Prime Minister elected to convene a special committee to look into ways that the Jews of Poland can continue to practice kosher shechita. As of now, kosher shechita is permitted in Poland.
Reinforcing the Supervisors of the Law on Sexual Harassment and Advisors on the the Status of Women in Local Authorities– An appeal to the relevant parties on appointing and training supervisors and counselors, as well as thought and development of new methods of training to empower people in this role.
Assistance for Converts– Organizing a special conference dealing with the conversion crisis and aiding many converts who faced difficulties in the conversion process. One such case was an attempt to help Sarah, who tried unsuccessfully to convert in Israel. When she flew to Rome and returned to Israel to marry Aline Levy, statements by Rabbi Weiss and harassment from the rabbinate made her decide to terminate the conversion process.
Reducing the Fee for Signing Prenuptial Agreements- this was achieved by posing a query to the Religion Minister who decided to lower the fee.
Joint Study Evenings for Secular and Religious Israelis– MK Lavie organized a night of learning on Shavuot in “Tzavta”, a well-known club in Tel Aviv, where thousands of participants from across the religious spectrum took part.
Women’s Torah Study- MK Lavie brought change to the Education Ministry’s criteria for financial support and today, women too, may learn Torah and be entitled to a stipend according to their particular needs. Women’s Torah Study programs will be recognized as those with twenty-four academic hours and the participation of no less than fifteen women. The change was inspired by the understanding that women can dedicate less time for Study, given their motherly duties, and therefore the required hours of study must be made accessible to earn recognition and to increase the relatively low number of women learning in these institutions.
Establishment of subcommittee for the Prevention of Human Trafficking and Prostitution under MK David Tzur- Revival and expansion of the human trafficking subcommittee with the addition of prostitution to the purview of the committee. In the current Knesset, MK Aliza Lavie serves as head of the committee on this topic
Transfer of money for the rehabilitation of women in “Salit” – MK Aliza Lavie met with senior members of the National Insurance Institute and agreed with them on the transfer of money for the rehabilitation of women in “Salit”, beyond the Ministry of Social Affairs budget. The Sal’it project is an urban project that was established as part of a national project to eradicate prostitution in all its aspects and to provide an appropriate treatment solution for women trapped in the cycle of prostitution.
Prevention of the Closing of Jewish Community Center in Hungary- in cooperation with the Jewish Agency.
Disallowing questioning converts when registering for marriage– Following a question sent to the Minister of the Interior on the matter, the Minister decided to issue strict guidelines forbidding the clerks at the registration from interrogating the people who wish to register, about their personal lives
Expansion of the committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality- Under MK Lavie’s leadership, the committee’s reputation has grown, and it has become one of the major active committees in the Knesset, doubling the number of discussions in comparison to the previous term.
Presentations to the committee on the Status of Women by Observers– Women who do not receive proper representation in Knesset, which is mostly Ultra-Orthodox and Arab women. The establishment of a forum for the Ultra-Orthodox, that accompanies the committee’s range of activities in the long run, raises issues to the agenda, and influences the committee.
Establishment of a Hostel for Victims of Human Trafficking in People Who Came to Israel Via the Egyptian Border– The transfer of half a million shekels for the construction of a hostel accompanied by professional therapists for victims of human trafficking in people who came to Israel via the Egyptian border from Sinai.
Marking Women’s Day 2014 in Knesset with Proper Economic Conduct to Women– Panel discussion with members of Knesset and the CEO of Intel, about successful women in business and communication, and the presentation of an improvisation show by single mothers on the topic, in the Knesset building.
Marking of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2014 with a focus on how to deal with violence against women on social networks.
The Advancement of Women and Girls in Science- MK Lavie helped establish the Group for the Advancement of Women and Girls in Science and Technology.
Following the instruction of the committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality, the coordinators of National Service will undergo training in the prevention and treatment of sexual harassment. In addition, only places that appoint a body to deal with sexual harassment will be considered up to the National Service standards.
Alternative Hospitalization of Rape Victims- Following MK Lavie’s tenure as chairwoman of the committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality, a new center was opened in September 2015 as a boarding school for victims of sexual assault. Before 2015, the school was forced to hospitalize the victims in regular psychiatric institutions, where they were unable to receive the specialized treatment they highly deserved and needed to overcome their trauma.
Participation in the persistent, long-lasting fight on the direct employment of school nurses. On July 20th, 2015 , the Ministry of Finance and the Labor Union came to an historic agreement regarding the method of public sector employment, and they decided on the absorption of thousands of workers for direct employment. Among them, 375 student health nurses will return to the country after years of fighting, determined to cut the privatization. The rights of school nurses will no longer be trampled. They will not experience any layoffs during summer breaks nor lose more vacation days and sick days in the transition between contractors. Absorption of these nurses is expected to be made during the year 2016.
