More than 75,000 people have fled Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, attempting to resettle in Israel as a result of the war in Ukraine.  

According to recent surveys, most face major barriers to establishing their financial lives in Israel. 

• 93% of people were refused banking services verbally
• 61% found it difficult or impossible to transfer funds from the sales of property, or personal savings, or salaries
• 37% had difficulties opening a bank account.
• Enforcement is case by case, there are no uniform rules to follow, even among branches of the same banks.
• People are turned away, their documented funds are locked in the transfer process, and people are unable to start their new lives in Israel.

Even after Israel’s banking regulator issued binding guidance to the banks regarding their treatment of immigrant customers, nothing has changed.

Immigrants face more barriers than ever! 

What can be done?

Israeli banks must comply with the guidelines of the Bank of Israel published February 2nd, 2023, and IMMEDIATELY clarify their expectations for how immigrants can comply with the rules. 

This includes setting clear guidelines, providing lists of required documents and timelines for opening bank accounts, and transferring savings and legal funds to Israel.

We also encourage the banks to translate their web interfaces and mobile applications to at least English, and ideally to other languages spoken by immigrants in Israel. 

This is the only way to ensure all immigrants will receive fair and speedy service to allow them to settle in Israel and start their new lives.

� Sign below to demand Israeli banks support fair banking. 

For more information on this non-profit, economic justice project, visit our website, THE FAIR BANKING DASHBOARD.

This petition is addressed to:

1. Israel's Minister of Economy
2. Israel's Minister of Immigration and Integration
3. Israel's Chairman of the Immigration and Integration Committee of the Israeli Parliament
4. The Israeli Banks Association

Cc: All Israeli banks

• Bank HaPoalim
• Bank Discount
• Bank Leumi
• Bank Mizrahi Tfahot
• Bank ha BeinLeumi ha Rishon
• Bank Igud
• Bank Mercantil Discount
• Bank Yahav
• Bank Otzar haHayal
• Bank Yerushalayim
• Dexia Yisrael
• Bank Aravi Yisraeli
• Bank Masad
• Poaley Agudat Yisrael
• Bank ha Doar
• UBank
• Citibank
• State Bank of India
• HSBC
• One Zero Bank
• First Digital Bank

This petition is organized by grassroots community leaders, including Sophia Tupolev-Luz of The Reboot Startup Nation - the national movement to welcome displaced professionals, as well as Ivan Rozhanskiy, and Valeria Svirskaya, of Hutza Club and the leading Russian-speaking immigrant community on Facebook.