A turnaround in religious councils: Court rules on transparency for appointments

The Jerusalem District Court has accepted the petition of the "Itim" organization following a prolonged legal struggle. In a ruling issued last week, the court determined that professional experience data for public officials—specifically chairpersons and appointees in religious councils—is not confidential.

"Whoever takes upon themselves a public role is considered to have consented to the disclosure of the data qualifying them to the public."

On Thursday, August 30, 2026, the Jerusalem District Court, sitting as a court for administrative affairs, ruled in favor of the "Itim" organization against the Ministry of Religious Services. In the ruling, Deputy President of the Court, Judge Arnon Darel, ordered the ministry to provide data regarding the eligibility, education, and professional experience of religious council chairpersons. Furthermore, the court ordered the ministry to detail the "special qualifications" presented for appointees who have personal or political ties to the Minister of Religious Services.

For many months, the ministry had refused to provide information on whether officeholders met the threshold conditions required by law, arguing that disclosing candidate questionnaires would infringe upon their privacy under the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Protection Act. Judge Arnon Darel rejected these arguments, determining that the public interest in overseeing the propriety of appointments must prevail:

"The requested information does not concern the intimate aspects of the candidates' lives, but rather information relevant and required by law for the public position to which they seek to be appointed. Anyone interested in a senior public position is considered to have consented to the fact that, if chosen, the basic data qualifying them for the position will be brought to the public's attention."

The court ordered the ministry to provide the information within 30 days and ruled that the respondents must pay "Itim" 10,000 NIS in legal fees, plus reimbursement of court costs. Attorney Yair Mavorach Shaag of "Itim" stated:

"This precedent-setting ruling is an important milestone in the struggle for transparency and proper administration in religious services and the public sector at large. Religious councils manage huge budgets and directly influence the lives of millions of citizens. The public is entitled to know that those appointed to manage these bodies meet legal requirements and possess appropriate qualifications, rather than being appointed solely due to political affiliation. We will continue to stand guard and demand full transparency for the sake of the public in Israel."