Introduction

Prevention of sexual harassment must be an important part of the routine of every organization and community, not only because it is a legal obligation, but also because of the aspiration to create a safe and respectful environment.

Any organization, nonprofit, or community that employs workers (even if they are volunteers who do not receive wages) is considered an “employer,” and therefore all the obligations mentioned in the law and regulations for the prevention of sexual harassment apply to them.

If regular educational activity is conducted within them (professional, theological, or academic), beyond sermons at the weekly assembly, this activity must meet the requirements of the law for an “educational institution” with regard to the prevention of sexual harassment.

But even if the activity of the community or organization does not match the legal definition of “employer” or “educational institution,” it is recommended that they comply with these regulations for moral reasons, with the goal of providing a protected, safe, and respectful environment.

This kit was written by Attorney Dana Hasson-Helmut, who has legal-organizational experience, with the goal of providing Messianic communities and organizations with the necessary tools for professional, thorough, and effective handling of the issue, and also to enable leadership and management to establish an organizational-community culture that demonstrates zero tolerance toward sexual harassment.