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Freedom of Information Act

General



The Freedom of Information Law, 5758–1998, establishes the right of every citizen to obtain information from a public authority, subject to the limitations specified therein. These limitations are intended to balance freedom of information with various rights and interests such as state security, protection of privacy, professional and commercial confidentiality, and more.



The law defines who is entitled to receive information, which types of information may not be disclosed or may be disclosed at the authority’s discretion, how the public authority should exercise its discretion when providing information, and the procedures and guidelines for submitting and handling requests.



Officer Responsible for Providing Information to the Public under the Freedom of Information Law at the Israel Association of Community Centers Ltd. (hereinafter: “the Officer”):



Shahar Yuval, Adv.


Tel: 073-2870118


Email: shahary@matnasim.org.il



Handling Requests Submitted under the Freedom of Information Law



The Officer will notify the applicant of the decision regarding their request no later than 30 days from receipt of the request.



The Officer may extend this period by an additional 30 days if necessary, provided that the applicant is notified in writing and the reason for the extension is explained.



The Officer may grant a further extension, by a reasoned decision sent to the applicant, if the scope or complexity of the requested information requires additional time; this extension shall not exceed 60 days.



Requests under the Freedom of Information Law may be submitted via email: shahary@matnasim.org.il



When submitting a request, the following details must be specified:



  1. Type of requested information (choose one):Information requested by a nonprofit or social organization
    Information requested by an academic research body
    Information requested by benefit recipients
    Personal information
    Information required to be published
    Paid information
  2. First and last name of the applicant
  3. ID number of the applicant
  4. Israeli citizen / Israeli resident / corporation registered in Israel (choose one)
  5. Email address of the applicant
  6. Address of the applicant
  7. Specify whether the request is submitted on behalf of another party, and if so, indicate who
  8. Indicate whether you consent to the request details being disclosed to a third party if contacted regarding your request (choose one)

Fees


  1. According to the Freedom of Information Regulations (Fees), 5759–1999, a request will be processed after payment of an application fee of 24 NIS and submission of a signed commitment to pay handling and production fees up to 178 NIS.
  2. A fee for locating, sorting, examining, and preparing the requested information will be charged at 36 NIS per hour, starting from the fourth hour of work.
  3. A production fee for written information will be 0.24 NIS per photocopied page or computer printout page, or 2.96 NIS per CD provided.

Exemptions from Fees


  1. Information requested by a person about themselves and their rights is exempt from the application fee and from handling fees for up to 4 hours of work (starting from the fourth hour).
  2. Information requested by a representative of a nonprofit or public-benefit company with valid certification, operating to promote a public purpose, as well as information required for academic research, is exempt from the application fee and from handling fees for the first 4 hours of work.
    “Public purpose” – as defined in Section 9(2)(b) of the Income Tax Ordinance.

An applicant who declares inability to pay the fee and provides proof of receiving a benefit is exempt from the application fee and from handling fees for the first 4 hours of work.


“Benefit” includes:

  1. Benefit under the Income Support Law, 5741–1980
  2. Payment under the Alimony (Guarantee of Payment) Law, 5732–1972
  3. Compensation under relevant Nazi Victims laws
  4. Payment under the Prisoners of Zion Law, 5752–1992
  5. Full monthly disability pension under the National Insurance Law (where disability is 75% or more)
  • When submitting a request, proof of fee payment or eligibility for exemption must be attached.

How to Pay the Fee


By bank transfer to:
Bank: Discount Bank
Branch: 0010
ILS Account: 0158484713
USD Account: 0175145115
Beneficiary: Israel Association of Community Centers Ltd. (Public Benefit Company)


Additional Required Documents

Nonprofit or Social Organization:

  • Certificate of proper management
  • Registration certificate showing promotion of public purposes

Academic Researchers:

  • Confirmation from a recognized academic institution that the information is required for research

Benefit Recipients:

  • Confirmation from the institution granting the benefit (recognized under the regulations)

Personal Information:

  • ID of the person to whom the information relates

Additional information can be found on the website of the Government Freedom of Information Unit.

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