The Knesset passed comprehensive legislation last Wednesday outlawing all forms of trafficking, including trafficking in labor, children and organs. The law, which was formulated with major assistance from NIF grantees Hotline for Migrant Workers in Israel and Workers' Hotline - Kav LaOved, also enhances existing legislation prohibiting trafficking in women. The new law provides compensation for victims of trafficking, including sex slaves, from fines imposed by Israel's courts.

"The new law defines trafficking as a very serious offense," Lisa Richlen, Associate Director of Hotline for Migrant Workers told NIF News. "Prison sentences of up to 20 years can be imposed on those found guilty of trafficking."

The new law was supported by Knesset members across the political spectrum and came in the wake of the U.S. State Department downgrading Israel's rating in this area. The new rating could have resulted in a cut-off of U.S. government aid to Israel.

The Story of J: J is typical of the dozens of foreign workers being assisted by the Hotline for Migrant Workers. She was brought to Israel in 2000 by an Indian family employed in the diamond industry, and worked 18 hours a day seven days a week doing housework. Once a year, Maria received a one-month unpaid vacation to visit her nine-year-old daughter in India. Upon arrival in India, she received half her annual salary ($2,000) from her employer's brother. The other half of her salary was paid to Maria's brother only after she returned to Israel - this to ensure she returned to work. Her passport was held at all times by her employer or his family in India. Hotline heard of her case after she told her problems to a priest in Jaffa. Since July, she has been staying in a hostel in Jaffa but attempts to sue her employers have failed due to the lack of legislation on trafficking.

NIF, which was the first funder of rape crisis centers in Israel and has always taken the lead on issues involving the exploitation of women, will continue to support its grantees' work on this difficult and controversial issue.