Yedidim Roadside Assistance, operating for over 15 years with roughly 65,000 volunteers providing free roadside aid, faces complex legal proceedings. As reported by Yair Altman on Channel 14, a motion for certification of a class action has been filed against the organization for an estimated NIS 2. 5 million. The core cause of action, as alleged by petitioner Amit Worgaft, concerns the sending of donation requests without recipient consent, which he claims violates the Communications Law.
The organization denies the allegations, noting that such proceedings could harm its vital operations for the Israeli public. The legal debate raises complex issues regarding how organizations operate in the digital space and their duty to comply with messaging regulations. It should be noted that this is merely a motion to certify a class action, and no judicial decision has yet confirmed it or determined that the organization violated the law. A point of public interest is that Worgaft previously sought help from the organization.
Similar to the current proceedings, Worgaft previously litigated against the organization in 2022, resulting in a settlement and NIS 1,000 compensation. Supporters and volunteers have expressed opposition to what they characterize as a repetitive process. Simultaneously, a public movement of drivers, led by former MK Abir Kara, has emerged to protest the lawsuit. Conversely, the petitioner maintains the claims target the method of mass messaging rather than the volunteers themselves.
It was also noted that prior to litigation, the petitioner attempted to resolve the issue via a meeting with the CEO and a warning letter. His primary argument is that a good cause does not permit violations of the law. For drivers, this case highlights the dilemma between privacy law enforcement and the importance of such social organizations. The case demonstrates the complexity social organizations face when using digital fundraising mechanisms under strict communications regulations, with any ruling likely impacting future conduct of similar entities.