Members of the CCW staff were among an estimated 100,000 Israelis gathered outside the Parliament (Knesset) in Jerusalem on February 13th to protest the recent judicial reform proposed by the current government. The protests continued well into the weekend throughout the country, and outside the Parliament again on February 20th when the first reading of the reform bill took place.

CCW recently took another stand for justice by joining the Coalition of Women’s Organizations for Equality. The coalition is formed by tens of Israeli women’s organizations from different ends of the political spectrum. It takes joint action in the struggle against the current proposed legislation and other policies that may harm women’s status. In so doing, the alliance aims to preserve Israel’s democratic infrastructure and ensure women’s rights in Israeli society.

We at CCW are very concerned by the split within Israeli society that the proposed reform is causing. The politicians in government are trying to speed through changes without taking the time for a through bipartisan professional examination of details. If passed, the bill will pose a danger to civil rights and liberties that will directly and adversely impact women, minorities, the disadvantaged and populations-at-risk.
 

While there is a need to introduce change in some aspects of the judiciary system, the current reform includes several important clauses that will reduce the power of the judicial system by granting excessive power to the legislative branch. This will negate the essential democratic principle of checks and balances. These include: introducing an override clause to bypass Supreme Court decisions with a 61-member majority vote in the Knesset, curbing the Supreme Court’s power to abolish laws that it deems are no longer just and appointing legal advisors by ministers rather than by a neutral system.

Clinical director of CCW, Yael Levin, stressed the importance of speaking out publicly against such measures in one of her articles: “As therapists, our professional commitment is beyond our private clinics. It is our duty to make our voice heard in the media, marking the ethical boundaries explicitly, even when they are different from the mainstream norms.” (The article appeared in the Israeli news outlet Mako in Hebrew.) 

Here at CCW, we are looking forward to cooperating with women’s organizations to make an impact and bring positive change to preserve democracy and women’s rights.

Transform the life of a woman today by making a kind gift to CCW! 

It is from support of donors like you that we can continue to provide subsidized therapy hours in addition to a safe and caring environment for these women.  

• A donation of $25 subsidizes one hour of therapy 

• A donation of $100 subsidizes one month of therapy 

• A donation of $1200 subsidizes a year of therapy 

Even the smallest donation goes a long way. 

Thank you! 

For Credit Card Donations

Donating through PEF

US tax deductible donations over $25 can be sent by check or by wire transfer to PEF Israel Endowment Funds Inc. (501C3), 630 Third Ave., 15th floor, New York, NY10017. Please ensure to enclose a note indicating that it is recommended for The Counseling Center for Women,  I.D. number 58-0130789. (Due to COVID, please send checks only through the Postal Service, as no-one will be able to sign for UPS/FedEx etc.)

Donating through Fidelity

Please email Fidelity with cc to info@pefisrael.org, stating the date and amount of your gift, including the name of your fund at Fidelity and your recommendation for the donation to go to Counseling Center for Women, I.D. number 58-0130789

For bank transfers or checks : please email office@ccw.org.il