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How to File a Complaint Against a Police Officer — Step by Step in Ashkelon
Anyone who believes they were harmed by police conduct can file a complaint with MAHASH (Police Investigations Department) or the Public Complaints Commissioner — free, no lawyer required.
About Ashkelon
Ashkelon absorbed significant waves of Israeli-Ethiopian community members from the 1990s onward and is today a major southern community hub. Community members are spread across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, alongside a growing presence of local businesses, educational institutions and community-led initiatives.
Two Complaint Bodies
MAHASH (Police Investigations Department) handles suspected criminal misconduct — assault, excessive force, bribery. It operates under Justice Ministry oversight.
The Public Complaints Commissioner is an independent external body for non-criminal misconduct — rudeness, poor judgment, delayed response.
Filing with both is often advisable.
Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Collect evidence. Officer name and badge number, exact date/time/location, witness names and phones, photos or video (legal in public spaces), any documents received, and a same-day medical record if you were injured.
Step 2 — File with MAHASH. Online at mahash.gov.il (fastest) or in person at a MAHASH office in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, or Be'er Sheva. Time limit: 30 days (extensions available with justification).
Step 3 — File with the Ombudsman. Online or by registered mail at ombudsman.gov.il. The Ombudsman must notify you of any decision and its reasoning.
Free support from TEBEKA. TEBEKA provides free complaint drafting, representation before MAHASH, and case monitoring. Call 1-800-20-20-16 or visit tebeka.org.il.
Realistic Outcomes
Most files are closed without action, but documented complaints build a record. Two incidents against the same officer can trigger internal affairs review. Criminal charges are rare but possible with strong evidence. Civil lawsuits are a parallel option for damages.
Ethiopian community in Ashkelon
- Community population
- ~9,000
- Share of city
- ~7%
- Main neighbourhoods
- ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר
- Community services
- ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי
More rights in Ashkelon
This right in other cities
FAQ — Ashkelon
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Ashkelon?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Ashkelon numbers approximately ~9,000 residents — around ~7% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: ברנע, שמשון, אפרידר.
- How do I claim How to File a Complaint Against a Police Officer — Step by Step in Ashkelon?
- Contact Tebeka — they operate nationally including in Ashkelon. For support: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
- What community support is available in Ashkelon for this right?
- In Ashkelon, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP, NATAL, מרכז קהילתי.
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