Task Force on Human Trafficking and Prostitution

The Task Force on Human Trafficking and Prostitution (TFHT) engages the government, legal community, enforcement agencies, the media, and the public in systemic efforts to eradicate sex trafficking and prostitution and ensure victims’ access to services seeking their full inclusion as self-sufficient members within Israeli society. TFHT was founded in 2004 as a joint project of the law firm NKB & Associates and Rabbi Levi Lauer, Founder of NGO ATZUM-Justice Works. TFHT is the only social change initiative in Israel which confronts the root causes, underlying policies and conditions enabling sex trafficking and prostitution to thrive. TFHT’s staff is comprised of women lawyers, social workers and activists. It is estimated that there are approximately 15,000 prostituted people in Israel, 95% women and girls. The average age of entering prostitution is 13-14, and many were sexually abused as children. On average, they see six clients every 24 hours. 76% of women in prostitution who were surveyed indicated they would leave immediately if they could secure adequate assistance. These statistics clearly indicate most prostituted persons do not engage in sex work by choice, but rather out of desperation, finding themselves outside the frameworks of school and family.