Adam Teva V’Din

Annual Report 2013

Table of contents

Annual Donor Report 2013

Table of Contents

2013 - A year in review .................................................................................................... 1

Natural resource management ........................................................................................ 2

Natural gas: Timeline of activity ........................................................................................................ 3

Chemicals of concern ...................................................................................................... 4

Planning & land use ........................................................................................................ 5

Solid waste management ................................................................................................. 6

Environmental justice & solid waste management ............................................................................. 7

Environment & community ............................................................................................. 8

Green Alert Service ............................................................................................................................. 9

Getting Israelis on board & online ............................................................................... 10

News & updates ............................................................................................................ 11

Our friends & partners .................................................................................................. 13

2013 - A year in review

Dear Friend,

Let’s be honest, 2013 has been a somewhat frustrating and discouraging year for Israeli civil society.

But, as always, we believe that it is our duty to speak out when we feel that government policies and commercial

interests jeopardize Israel’s democratic character and moral core. And that’s exactly what we’ve done again this year.

But we haven’t done it alone. Your continued commitment and confidence in our work has spurred us

on to ensure that Israel remains true to the Jewish and democratic values upon which it was founded.

As always, we understand and appreciate the broad implications environmental concerns have on all spheres of

Israeli society: socially, economically and politically.

It is for this reason that all of the issues on our agenda for 2013 have directly addressed the environmental

concerns which are inherently interlinked with the average Israeli citizen’s social well-being.

In the pages of this report, we invite you to meet our dedicated team and relive the exhaustive endeavors and

impressive accomplishments of Adam Teva V’Din through the eyes of the people who made them happen. From the

inter-generational ramifications of the natural gas export policy (pg. 2), to addressing environmental health concerns

in our shopping carts through our Chemicals of concern initiative (pg. 4), to continuing to help and empower

underserved communities via our Environment & community project (pg. 8).

It is only thanks to your generosity and unwavering belief in our work that we have brought about a renowned record

of paradigm changing reforms, which has influenced decision-makers as well as the personal lives of average

Israelis.

We anticipate completing this budgetary year in balance at $1,733,076 (6,072,000 NIS) with a small deficit.

Our budget for 2014 stands at $1,841,821 (6,453,000 NIS) and will comprise of contributions from American

donors, philanthropic foundations and Israeli members and donors. For the first time we expect to receive 20% of our

income from Israeli-based sources.

We greatly appreciate your past generosity, support and encouragement which has been crucial to our successes.

However, as you know, our work never ends.

We need your help now to make certain that the legally binding standards, for which we have fought so hard

together, are upheld. We need your help now to inspect and scrutinize new frontiers which shape the lives of our

families.

Please show again your commitment by contributing now.

Together, we can make Israel a healthier, safer and more fitting place to raise our families.

With sincere thanks and best regards,

Amit Bracha

Executive Director

Amit Bracha, Adv.

Executive Director

1

Natural resource management Following security and defense matters, the Iranian nuclear program and national elections, the public debate

surrounding the natural gas export policy was the most highly contested issue of 2013.

A household name

Dana Tabachnick (34), head of our Economy and Environment department, has become recognized as the

leader of the public campaign for the responsible and just management of Israel’s natural gas.

“I am proud that our work on this vital issue of national concern has showcased Adam Teva V’Din’s holistic

capabilities which have contributed to our reputation as the country’s no. one environmental watchdog”, says

Tabachnick. “We have worked hard on all of our signature frontiers: legislation, litigation, scientific

expertise and raising public awareness and engagement.”

Her active involvement in this highly profiled public debate has made her instantly recognizable in the media

and legal forums. Her professional opinion has been sought out by respected Government Commissions,

Knesset hearings and numerous local media channels. She also argued our petition before a panel of seven

Supreme Court Justices sitting as the High Court of Justice. (See timeline of activity).

Every attorney’s dream

“Arguing a case before an extended bench of Supreme Court Judges is every attorney’s dream, especially

when it is a case you passionately believe in”, reflects Dana. “I have experienced both the public and

commercial sectors, having worked at the Offices of the Attorney General, Jerusalem District Attorney, as well

as at the Israel Securities Authority and other private law firms. But now working at Adam Teva V’Din for the

past four years truly has allowed me to tackle real problems at the core. We are at the crux of shaping the

policies which will affect the bank account, health and security of every Israeli.”

The time is now

“Transparency, public participation, renewable energy economy- these are no longer abstract terms and

hypothetical scenarios. Israel is in danger of missing the window of opportunity to harness the economic and

social prospects created by the natural gas. It is our job to give the Government a wake-up call before it is too

late.

As an avid traveler, I’ve seen for myself how developing countries recklessly misuse and mistreat their natural

resources. With a limited supply of natural resources, Israel cannot afford to do the same. We cannot turn a

blind eye to the intergenerational consequences of mismanagement of our natural reserves. We have to think

ahead. Israel needs to invest the substantial revenues in the development of renewable and cost-efficient

energy sources. What is taken from the environment must be returned to the environment.”

The Marker, Israel’s leading

business journal, recently

titled Dana as one of the 40

leading Israeli

professionals under 40.

“We are incredibly proud

that Dana’s tremendous

contribution has been

publically recognized.

She truly deserves the title

as one of the brightest

Israelis of her generation.

We are proud to have her

on board!”

-Amit Bracha, Executive Director

Dana Tabachnick, Adv.

Economy & Environment

Amit Bracha & Dana Tabachnick in court

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W W W . A D A T U M . C O M 5432 Any Street West, Townsville, State 54321 Tel 555.543.5432 Fax 555.543.5433

Natural gas Timeline of activity

November 2013: Publication of professional opinion on Marine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

EEZ to date: No official decision has been made to apply Israeli law to EEZ

Our opinion: To make a formal decision to apply Israeli law to the EEZ in order to facilitate environmental protection

Distributed to: Government offices, Deputy Attorney General

To date: Legislative proposal

Designated capital-savings fund for the children of Israel (2013)

Bill: Government Bill

Proposal: Invest the substantial revenues towards social and economic future of our children. We are promoting an additional clause which earmarks a portion of the funds towards investment in renewable energy sources.

Status: Awaiting Knesset committee vote

To date: Legislative proposal

Protection of gas reserves for Israel's energy independence (2013)

Bill: Private members bill, signed by 20 MKs

Proposal: Establish a responsible and strategic plan to export the gas in accordance with public interests (to date no plan exisits)

Status: Awaiting Knesset vote

July-September 2013: Petition to High Court of Justice (Extended 7-Justice bench)

Petitioners: Adam Teva V'Din, Movement for Quality Government (and parallel petitions)

Petition: A decsion of this magnitude can only be reached through an open and transparent parliamentary debate in the Knesset

Ruling: Majority vote of 5:2 not to intervene in the Cabinet's policy

June 2013: Unilateral Government Decision

Export quota of 40% of natural gas

January-August 2013: Zemach Commission

The Commission: Charged with drafting recommendations for policy framework relating to gas export quotas

Following Commission's recommendation: We aimed to persuade the Commission to entrust the Knesset with policy decisions and NOT to recommend a closed-door Government conclusion

Active participation: Including presentations, professional reports, op-eds, FAQs and direct meetings

Addressing the policy framework for natural gas

3

Chemicals of concern “Adam Teva V’Din gets things done. Members of our field acknowledge and appreciate that we are able to

move proverbial mountains to make changes at policy levels. It was this proactive, go get ‘em approach which

drew me to Adam Teva V’Din in the first place”, says Sarit Caspi-Oron, environmental scientist.

“It is also for this reason that we were approached last year by the Environmental Health Fund (EHF), a

fund committed to advancing environmental health in Israel. EHF chose to partner with us to realize their goal:

to confront the environmental health challenges facing the average Israeli. Together we launched Chemicals of

Concern, an initiative which aims to develop a practical regulatory framework to decrease Israeli families’

exposure to chemicals in their everyday lives.”

Chemicals of Concern is a two-year multi-disciplinary project headed by two attorneys and two scientists.

From the outset, we decided to focus on the most sensitive and susceptible population - our children. And

due to the fact that pesticide residues in food and produce pose the greatest threat to children, we chose this

subject matter as our starting point.

Under-informed and under-protected

“Coming from California, I have seen for myself how much Israel lags behind U.S. and European standards

when it comes to environmental health issues. The comparative research we are currently conducting only

highlights just how big this legislative gulf really is. The fact is that Israelis are under-informed and under-

protected, especially when it comes to the health of our children.”

3% of appeals

For the first time our Green Alert center received tens of inquiries related to pesticide use (both spraying

practices and pesticides in the food chain)

Sarit Caspi-Oron

Environmental scientist

To date, regulations regarding chemical exposure are insufficiently protective & outdated

The appeals were in response to the publication of our 2

nd report on

pesticides in fruit.

Our right to know

“Getting our hands on the data and information from relevant Government

Ministries is not always easy and is usually as a result of requests under the

Freedom of Information Act”, comments Daphna Shalev, one of the

attorneys working on the project.

“In today’s democracy, we are entitled to transparent information by law.

Furthermore the public craves to know more about how these common

chemicals affect their health and how to protect themselves. We are

therefore doing our best to translate the scientific jargon and figures into

comprehensible and accessible information for the general public.”

(See sidebar)

We now demand to build a regulatory framework which will reduce exposure to pesticides and chemicals

and will bring Israel to a par with American and European standards. With a proven track record, we are

paving the way towards fundamental environmental health safeguards.

Shalev: “Adam Teva V’Din is breaking new ground in the field of legislative reforms for environmental health.

We are the first environmental NGO in Israel to tackle this issue. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote

transparency, public participation and awareness on environmental matters which affect us all.”

Our active involvement in this thriving field allows us to cultivate connections and collaborations with

stakeholders and learn from our international counterparts in order to effectively create meaningful change at all

levels. We recently became members of HEAL (Health & Environment Alliance), a leading international non-

profit, in order to learn from parallel EU models. We have also agreed on cooperation with the Standard

Institution of Israel (SII) as well as the main commercial enterprise conducting laboratory testing and evaluation

for supermarket chains.

Daphna Shalev, Adv.

Health & Environment

4

Daphna Shalev, Adv.

Health & environment

Planning & land use A million new homes – where and how?

Our advocacy is grounded in the reality that if Israel is to build a million new homes in the next twenty

years – as politicians are now declaring - our children will be living in urbanized 'hardscapes' lacking in

green open spaces and basic facilities like schools and public transport.

Israel isn’t Alaska

"Political, social and economic demands for new housing are leading the current planning reforms.

Unfortunately, planning authorities have jumped on the bandwagon and are fast dismantling carefully

crafted national, regional and local zoning plans goods in order to deliver the goods," says Yael Dori,

head of planning. "We are dealing with massive legislative reforms every week in the Knesset and

working hard to ensure that three ad hoc government committees understand the repercussions of their

decisions. Israel isn't Alaska, we don't have a vast supply of untapped open spaces; we need to balance

increased building density with community open spaces, infrastructure and municipal service if we are to

avoid endless urban sprawl."

Israel land use in numbers:

90% of Israelis reside in

the central area (40%) of Israel's total land reserves

Israel needs 1 million homes in the next 20 years

270,000 new homes

could be built in central region without destroying urban green belts or rural open spaces Wasteful emphasis on single unit 'suburban' housing over the last 15 years has depleted open spaces

Yael Dori

Urban planner Making our mark on the Knesset

Eli Ben-Ari, senior attorney with many years experience in land use and

planning, patiently chips away at the most damaging proposals of

planning laws now under review by the Knesset.

"A minor victory on our part can, in effect, make a huge impact on how

planning decisions are made. We succeeded this month in persuading

the Knesset committee that it is essential that local and regional

planning committee members, at a minimum, have an opportunity to

comprehend what they are voting for. By securing a clause in the law

that prevents current practices of urban building plans being approved

after a chat and a coffee, we are forcing planners to go through a

professional, measured approval process that will avoid some of the

planning disasters that we already have to live with."

Eli Ben-Ari, Adv

Senior attorney

Case in point: Slum prevention in Ramat Gan

“We are all in favor of urban density, but not at any expense”, says Yael Dori, head of urban planning, following our recent

victory in court which led to the cancellation of the building plans of the Ramat Gan Municipality.

Ramat Gan, bordering Tel Aviv’s eastern outskirts, already suffers from insufficient infrastructure, poor municipal services and a

severe shortage of public open spaces. The quality of life of the city’s 145,000 residents is far below that of their Tel Aviv

neighbors. The municipality set out to exploit the Master Plan #38 (earthquakes), which allows for increased housing units,

without ensuring parallel public infrastructure, such as health, education and sanitation services, for the growing public.

“Reckless urban development is unacceptable. Urban renewal can only take place if the public’s needs are met, from parks to

adequate parking spaces, from schools and community centers to health services and clinics. If we don’t plan responsibly, we will

turn our cities into slums.” The court’s ruling, in the petition, filed by us on behalf of local residents, sends a clear message to the

planning and building authorities to take into account the city’s capacity to provide fundamental public services.

5

Our vision is becoming reality: regulatory obligations, economic investment, recycling and

recovery – and new job opportunities.

Economic investment in e-waste

When we began advocating for an end solution for discarded electronic goods (computers, mobile

phones, televisions and videos and domestic appliances), we were met with skepticism from all sides. We

worked closely with the Manufacturers' Association and other business leaders to bring them on board;

last year our draft legislative bill was adopted by the government as the Electronic Waste Recycling

Law (2012).

This was the green light the corporate world needed in order to make economic investment in e-waste

recycling. Right now, two recycling centers are under construction. We're still working with stakeholders

during the crucial early stages of the law.

Orange trash cans for packaging waste in Tel Aviv Photo credit: Tel Aviv Municipality

Another tangible milestone in the recycling revolution: Tel Aviv City is the latest municipality to

distribute orange trash cans for neighborhood collection of packaging waste. Gilad Ostrovsky:

"We've pushed for the Orange Trash Can in order to make it easy for households to separate their waste.

Congratulations to Tel Aviv for getting on board!"

Our vision for Israel's

ongoing recycling revolution

is based on our vision of a

zero waste economy based

on the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse

and Recycle - is being

realized.

Solidifying solid waste management: Packaging waste Law

(2011)

E-waste Law (2012)

Workshops and training

for recycling sector:

municipalities, stakeholders,

recycling agents

Eyal Galkin, Asaf Rosenblum & Gilad Ostrovsky

at source separation site

Gilad Ostrovsky

Solid waste & recycling

Solid waste management

6

The illegal dumping of building waste in Israel accounts for one third of all recorded environmental

offenses, according to a Green police report.

Ostrovsky: “Our greatest frustration this year has been the delay in approving regulation allowing local

authorities to take over the collection and disposal of building waste. Thanks to pressure from the Union

of Local Authorities who want this change, the bill is up for final review right now. It’s fair to say that

pirate dumping and inefficient use of resources continue to be environmental problems of great

magnitude. It’s time to empower and oblige the local authorities to clean up the building waste plague.”

Environmental justice & solid waste management

Environmental hazards don’t heed to political borders, government dictates or social class.

“No separation wall, no matter how tall or how fortified, can prevent the unwanted environmental exchange of

air pollution and contaminated water from either side of the fence”, comments Asaf Rosenblum, attorney and

specialist in solid waste management.

The boomerang effect

“Over the years, Adam Teva V’Din has witnessed the troubling epidemic of trash smuggling, including

building waste, from Israel to illegal dumping sites over the Green Line. What’s worse is that Israelis are

underhandedly polluting their own environment.

The pirated garbage is burnt in Area B, an area where Israel has no authority to enforce environmental laws.

The air and water pollution have a boomerang effect and harm neighboring Israeli cities such as Pardes Hana,

Binyamina, Zichron Ya’akov.”

In his report in 2011, the State Comptroller reinforced our concern and advised that defense authorities, IDF,

Civil Administration and police force, together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection act forcefully to

remedy this abuse.

Adam Teva V’Din demanded that the relevant authorities put a stop towards this violation of environmental

justice. We were integral in overseeing the coordination of the relevant parties from the defense, recycling and

government sectors.

Now, because of our perseverance and determination to curtail this blatant violation of environmental justice,

the Ministry of Environmental Protection has established the David Unit- a new unit responsible for

preventing the illegal transfer of solid waste into the West Bank. The unit, comprising of 10 inspectors, will be

stationed at military checkpoints at the entrances to Judea and Samaria and will enforce this illegal activity for

the first time in 46 years.

Protecting Israel’s recycling sector

“Trash smuggling is an extremely troubling phenomenon and we are glad that it’s receiving attention.

Recently, we’ve seen a steady drop in the amount of building waste brought to legal landfills, proving that the

waste is being taken elsewhere- through IDF check-posts to pirate landfills in the West Bank.”

Not only is this a criminal offense and grave environmental hazard for both Israelis and Palestinians, it also

undermines and weakens the recycling industry within Israel’s borders.

“We have to remember that Israel’s recycling revolution is still in its developing stages. Each year, the State

invests millions of shekels to ensure its continued evolution. Smuggling of this kind is a serious blow to this

developing industry and a massive waste of State resources.”

“We applaud the establishment of this important unit and are proud to have played a key role in its formation.

Our active involvement in this field reflects our goal to advance and protect Israel’s growing recycling sector

as well as uphold basic environmental rights for people both inside and outside Israel’s borders.”

Asaf Rosenblum, Adv.

Solid waste & recycling

Piles of building waste in an Arab village

7

Environment & community No one can appreciate the compelling power of grassroots advocacy and community awareness better than

Orly Ariav, head of our Environment & Community Initiative. Over the years, Orly has served as a committed

activist for her own community. She has also given voice to the pressing concerns of other communities in her

role as co-founder and manager of a socially-orientated law clinic in Haifa University. Since July of this year,

Orly has continued to empower communities in need as lead attorney in our Environment & Community

Project.

The power of community action

“I know from personal experience the power of community action. I was outraged by the Government’s plan to

site an onshore gas terminal on the natural scenic Dor Beach near my hometown of Zichron Ya’akov. It did not

make any sense to me to build an additional gas terminal when two fully functioning alternatives exist within a

15 mile radius! Together with fellow residents, I headed a grassroots campaign to protest the damage to our

environment and the threat to our health and our homes. This was my first encounter with Adam Teva V’Din

who were advocating for an overall plan for onshore/offshore gas installations. The connection to the

organization was immediate. When there was an opportunity to join the Adam Teva V’Din team, I jumped.

And as they say, the rest is history.”

Hand in hand - not head to head

Our Environment & Community Initiative reaches out to underserved communities who need our help the

most. In a collaborative venture with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, we are working with selected

underprivileged communities to give them the awareness, tools and confidence needed to address the

environmental issues which adversely affect their lives and well-being. “In the past we have often butted heads

with the Ministry when it comes to finding suitable solutions. This time we are both on the same side. From

the outset we are working together with the Ministry to provide swift resolutions to environmental problems.

Together we will identify the issues affecting the communities, agree upon and implement concrete solutions.”

“Up until now, these marginalized communities lack an environmental consciousness. We don’t receive any

complaints from them, despite numerous environmental dangers. This project aims to raise their

environmental awareness and help them to understand that they, as a connected community, can

improve their surroundings.”

Lod & Deir al-Asad

In the first stage of the project, two disadvantaged communities have already been selected: Lod, a mixed

Jewish-Arab city south of Tel Aviv, and Deir al-Asad, an Arab village in the Galilee (see sidebar).

In each town, we will work together with leaders of the community to build a solid base of environmental

agents and to devise a work-plan tailored towards their most acute concerns. Our expert team will guide them

along the way with lectures, round-table discussions and professional advice. At a later stage, two additional

communities from the south will be chosen together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Making their voices heard

“We want them to speak out because they understand the significance of these hazards on their health; because

the state of their neighborhoods matters to them; because they know that they can make a difference.”

Deir al-Asad, an Arab

village in the northern Galilee, is home to 8,000 residents. Slaughterhouses are a traditional source of income for many of these families. “In a village where two or three abattoirs would be enough, they have close to 27.” But, because of insufficient infrastructure, the effluents from the slaughterhouses are disposed of in the village sewage. This is a serious health risk, not only for Deir al-Asad, but for neighboring villages as too. “Five years ago, Adam Teva V’Din helped the city of Tamra solve a similar environmental problem. This is not an insurmountable obstacle. With the Ministry on our side and with the residents’ cooperation, we can find a solution.”

Orly Ariav, Adv.

Environment & community

Deir al-Asad: One of the communities chosen for joint initiative with the

Ministry of Environmental Protection 8

2013: Breakdown of appeals

The Green Alert provides guidance and assistance

to the public on local environmental threats.

Green alert: Empowering communities in need

Construction, 24%

Garbage, 13%

Noise, 13% Beaches, 9%

Trees, 8%

Radiation , 8%

Air pollution , 6%

Hazmat, 5%

Other, 9%

Water , 3% Pesticides, 3%

A clean (& healthy) slate: Working with new municipal leadership in Peki’in The 5,200 residents of Peki’in, a Druze town in the northern Galilee, were used to the stench of burning garbage. For years, garbage has been burnt at

illegal sites near schools and kindergartens and in close proximity to a highly populated residential area. Frustrated residents have gotten used to the

fact that this is the primary outlet to dispose of their waste, including by the local council. For one alert resident, enough was enough and he turned to

us for help. We immediately intervened, insisting that the newly elected local council address the issue once and for all.

“The timing was perfect” says Ori. “A new council head had just been elected and we grabbed the opportunity to finally bring about change in

the town. Now there is someone we can talk to. The incoming mayor, a former doctor, appreciates the severe health risks arising from the burning

trash, especially in such sensitive areas. Because of our insistence he is not taking the matter lightly and has committed to implement a four-step action

plan to fix the previous council’s environmental misconduct.”

Yeruham: Instilling environmental awareness bottom-up

Yossi C. from Yeruham, an economically depressed town in the south of Israel, had spoken to the municipality time

and again to remove several asbestos panels which were strewn across a busy walkway, but to no avail. “The

walkway is right in the heart of the town. Kids use it on their way to school and to the community center, religious

residents walk there on their way to shul”, explains Ori, senior law clerk in the Green Alert Service. “But even

though removing the panels is a very simple procedure which is handled by the Ministry of Environmental

Protection, the municipality refused to properly deal with this health risk.”

After Yossi found out that an unaccredited contractor recklessly disposed of the panels, leaving behind hundreds of

dangerous shards, he asked us to get involved. We got in touch with the Ministry’s unit for asbestos removal and

saw to it that the area was cleared.

“Yossi’s story highlights the importance of our job. Yeruham is a weak municipality which lacks any sort of

environmental awareness. Their utter negligence complicated and exacerbated a relatively straightforward solution.

Hopefully with the help of this concerned resident, we can start to instill municipal environmental awareness from

the bottom up. The one thing I love most about my job in the Green Alert is finding that one citizen who truly cares

about his community and helping him to make a difference. Yossi is just one instance of the power of environmental

awareness. I am honored to help the communities who really need us understand and realize these basic

environmental rights.”

9

Ori Ettinger

Senior law clerk in Green Alert Service

“My job as manager of our membership program

was to re-brand all of our outreach media in a

friendly, colorful and lively way that shows our

appreciation of members and encourages new

supporters to come on board.

Members pitched in with their own photos which we

use in our branding. We've added a new option for

monthly recurring donations as a great way for

people to show their ongoing commitment without

hassle. Already, our database of email contacts

exceeds 30,000!”

- Chen Offek, Coordinator of Israeli members & donors

Getting Israelis on board & online

Major goals for 2013: Get more Israelis to

support our cause! Get more Israelis to

donate to our work!

10,000 LIKES on Facebook!

30,000 supporters!

Yael Edelist, Communications Director

Chen Offek, Israeli members & donors

“Israelis are generous with their charitable giving

(Tzdeka) when it comes to obvious causes like needy or

sick children. But unlike in the USA, there is no tradition

of philanthropic giving to organizations that are fighting

for more intangible causes like environmental protection.

Our challenge for the year was to use social media to

reach as many Israelis as possible, engage with them

and them convert their support into concrete

contributions on a regular basis.

And our tactics are working: we already have over

10,000 followers on Facebook and on a daily basis we

are talking with Israelis who care about our advocacy.

When we shared the news of the Sasgon court case (see

page 12) on Facebook, we received $3,000 from Israelis

who wanted to help. I'm convinced we're on the right

track.”

-Yael Edelist, Communications Director

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News & updates

Here’s a short recap: In 2008 we forestalled the building of a luxury resort in the Sasgon Valley due to the fact that the building permit was

issued illegally. Subsequently, Igra sued the State to recover losses he claims to have suffered in light of the authorities’ error. In an aim to shirk

itself of the responsibility, the State tried to pass the buck onto Adam Teva V’Din, as well as the community activists who joined us in objection

to the desert construction. In our opinion, the attempt to point an accusing finger at us, a public interest representative, rather than accepting

accountability is disturbingly reminiscent of a SLAPP suit.

Adam Teva V’Din refused to keep quiet and immediately contacted the Attorney General appealing him to retract the suit. Leaders of Israeli

civil society and respected members of legal and academic sectors also approached the Attorney General in protest of this inconceivable insult

to basic democratic principles. The story triggered a media frenzy and we received an overwhelming wave of support, including sizable

donations, from the public.

Several days ago, the Attorney General announced that he has decided to retract the law suit against us and the members of the Arava

community.

Yes, the Attorney General seems to comprehend the dire threat the State’s action poses to Israeli democracy and civil society. However, the

unparalleled ploy to employ SLAPP tactics against a public interest representative has significant underlying implications for Israeli democracy:

Will average citizens and social and environmental activists second guess themselves before challenging affluent offenders?

Should we turn a blind eye and censor ourselves about environmental delinquency at the highest levels?

Absolutely not!

As the country’s environmental watchdog, we will continue to uphold our country’s fundamental democratic principles and will always speak

out against any threat to the Israel’s environment and the environmental human rights of its citizens.

High Court rules: Polluter must pay in asbestos case

The High Court of Justice accepted our position as respondent in a lawsuit filed by the Eitanit

Company to exempt itself from contributing fiscally ($42 million) to the Green Road asbestos clean-

up program.

The court made a precedent-setting decision invoking the 'polluter pays' principle and confirmed that

as manufacturer and asbestos distributor has responsibility for ultimate disposal of its product. In its

decision, the court commented that Eitanit should have predicted the health risks associated with

asbestos at the time it sold off the asbestos waste to communities throughout the Western Galilee.

State receives SLAPP on the wrist:

Attorney General retracts law suit against us

Environmentalists are no strangers to SLAPP suits. However, the rules of the game

are brought into question when the plaintiff is the State of Israel and the

accused is a public interest representative - Adam Teva V’Din.

This was the unprecedented situation we were facing when the State sued us and

community activists and demanded that we pay of 15 million NIS (4 million USD)

worth of damages to Yoav Igra, a hotel developer.

11

However, Israel lacks a sound regulatory framework to protect the marine environment from short and long term

degradation arising from these new economic undertakings.

Attorney Shelly Lev-Sherman reinforces the need to regulate Israel’s maritime environment, “Israel is not keeping

up to pace with the environmental standards of EU nations who are working to improve the marine environment.

Neighboring EU nations have been charged with developing sustainable and clean marine strategies for the

Mediterranean by 2020. Although Israel is not a member of the EU, the expectations of us are clear. Continuing

to treat the waters in our jurisdiction as the Wild West will not bode well with our EU neighbors. Therefore,

Adam Teva V’Din is attempting to close this legislative chasm.”

Our Marine Management Initiative works to develop and promote innovative legislative, policy and planning

frameworks based on ecosystem-based management. The project aims to create an integrative legislative

framework which takes into account the often conflicting uses, interests and pressures which exist in Israel’s

marine environment.

Recently, the international advisory board, headed by Justice Emeritus Dalia Dorner, former Interior Minister

Ofer Pines-Paz and respected marine scientists from Israel, the U.S. and Belgium, held their introductory forum in

our offices. We are fortunate to have experts from the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) of Washington DC as

our mentors and partners in this pioneering project.

Regulating the Mediterranean: Marine Management

“The Mediterranean is a vital component in tourism, economic, defense and transportation sectors. And lately, the

discovery of sizable natural gas and oil reserves highlights the vast economic potential of this aquatic resource”

says Dr. Boaz Mayzel, marine biologist.

Just a click away: Pollutants are now public

In accordance with the PRTR Law (2012), on 1 December 2013 the first inventory (in Hebrew) of chemical

emissions to the air, water and soil from over 400 factories was published on a government website.

Dr. Arye Vanger, PhD, head of air pollution and energy department:

“Having this crucial data at our disposal is indeed an advancement and a step in the right direction. In the

coming weeks we will analyze the data in depth and based on our findings, we will recommend necessary

policy measures to be taken in order to effectively oversee Israel’s industry.”

News & updates

On the map: Svivati

We are proud to have launched Svivati, an innovative tri-lingual (Hebrew, English &

Arabic) environmental portal, in collaboration with the Department of Geography and

Human Environment of the Tel Aviv University.

The website uses interactive maps to display a wide range environmental issues and

information to the general public. Current maps display cellular radiation, e-waste

collection points, oil and gas drilling sites, parks, power plants and more.

The information is provided by various public bodies such as government agencies and

local authorities as well as by environmental and social organizations.

The site aims to promote a vibrant environmental dialogue in Israel on matters which impact our health, quality of life and evolving global

trends.

Arye Vanger, PhD Air pollution and energy

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Shelly Lev-Sherman, Adv.

Marine management

Boaz Mayzel, PhD

Marine biologist

Our friends & partners

Adam Teva V'Din-Israel Union for

Environmental Defense

48 Yehuda Halevy St.

Tel Aviv 65782, Israel

Tel: 972-3-5669939, Fax: 972-3-5669940

E-mail: info@adamteva.org.il

Website: www.adamteva.org.il/english

Adam Teva V'Din-IUED is a registered

non-profit organization (#580177863).

Contributions are eligible for tax

deduction under Section 46 of the Israeli

Income Tax Code.

Board: Dahlia Be'eri (Chair), Ayal

Avrech, Josef Gross, Gershon Grossman,

Jubran Jubran, Joshua G. Kiernan, Galit

Leider, Rabbi Ronen Lovitz, Ofra Peleg,

Avigdor Vilnitz

Executive Director: Amit Bracha, Adv.

Deputy Director: Keren Halperin-Museri,

Adv.

Scientists: Sarit Caspi-Oron, Dr. Boaz

Mayzel, Gilad Ostrovsky, Dr. Arye

Wanger

Attorneys: Orly Ariav, Eli Ben Ari,

Tamar Ganot, Shelly Lev Sherman, Asaf

Rosenblum, Daphna Shalev, Dana

Tabachnik

Urban Planner: Yael Dori

Online Information Center: Tania Uman

Media & Social Media: Yael Edelist,

Rafi Barbiro

Fundraising: Hayley Lipshitz, Fran Ran

Membership: Chen Offek, Roni Larom

Finance & Administration: Nesi

Ashkenazi, Iris Zar

Interns: Ori Ettinger, Yonatan Harel,

Matan Hemo, Avi Toeg, Nechama Miller

Milken Institute Intern: Eyal Galkin

Friends of Israel’s Environment:

Philip Warburg, Boston, MA - President

Howard Learner, Chicago, IL – Vice President

Evan J. Kaizer, Los Angeles, CA – Treasurer

Viva Hammer, Silver Spring, MD – Secretary

Mike Gildesgame - Boston

Daniel Rosenblum, New York, NY

Geri Eileen Unger, Cleveland, OH

Jonathan Zasloff, Los Angeles, CA

Honorary Friends:

Representative Henry Waxman, Washington DC & Los Angeles, CA

Honorable Alan Sieroty, Los Angeles, CA

Friends of Israel’s Environment 4182 Beck Avenue, Studio City

CA 91604

Tel: (818) 693-5255

Website: http://www.israelenvironment.net

Friends of Israel’s Environment is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

Federal ID # 58-1959151. Contributions are eligible for tax deduction.

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We are grateful for the generosity of the following philanthropic foundations that support

our work:

Beracha Foundation

Environment & Health Fund

Jacob & Hilda Blaustein Foundation

Charles Brown Foundation

Green Environment Fund

Jacob L. & Lillian Holtzmann Foundation

The Morningstar Foundation

Plum Foundation

The Samuel Sebba Charitable Trust (UK)

Thank you to all of our individual members and donors who help us get the job done!

Friends of Israel’s Environment

We hope that you enjoyed reading our annual report and learning more about our

advocacy initiatives and activities.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our projects,

please feel free to contact me at 972-3-566-9939 or hayleyl@adamteva.org.il.

We look forward to keeping you informed on and connected to the issues

which matter to you most.

Hayley Lipshitz

International donor coordinator