Forum of Israelis of Ethiopian Origin in the Criminal Process

Forum of Israelis of Ethiopian Origin in the Criminal Process is a new initiative of the Clinic, intended to serve as a platform for an informed discussion on the situation of Israelis of Ethiopian origin within the legal system. The forum organizers, students Rotem Cohen and Haleli Porat, explain: "The protest of the Israelis of Ethiopian origin raised awareness of the community's situation within the legal system, but the situation's deep causes must be identified. The Clinic established the forum in an attempt to identify structural discrimination against Israelis of Ethiopian origin within the legal system."  The first session of the Forum met in Tel Aviv at the end of November, and dealt with the question of barriers faced by Israelis of Ethiopian origin vis-à-vis the Youth and Adult Probation Service. Participants included Defense Attorney Adv. Sagi Zani, Adv. Yael Yasso, clinician at Tel Aviv University, Hanna Legesse, spokesperson of the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews, Michal Barak, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Multiculturalism and Diversity at the Hebrew University, and Adv. Inbar Peled, Director of the Multiculturalism and Diversity Clinic.  For information on the activity of the Forum: halelipor@gmail.com