Who we are
Bimkom was established in 1999 by planners and architects to promote ‘planning rights’ - human rights in the field of planning. Since then, Bimkom has protected hundreds of communities from human rights violations ranging from house demolitions and forced displacement to lack of appropriate, equitable living standards. Bimkom promotes transparency in planning processes as well as fair and equitable distribution of land and other resources in planning and development.
Vision and Mission
Bimkom seeks to advance the development of planning policies and practices that are more just and respectful of human rights, responsive to the needs of local communities, and facilitate a dignified human existence. We strive to achieve proper planning, grounded in principles of social, distributive, and environmental justice, as a key to realization of human rights.
Bimkom’s goals in promoting human rights within the field of planning are:
To assist marginalized communities to identify their planning needs and aspirations, express them in professional planning terms, and participate in and influence planning processes that impact their lives.
To promote good governance, transparency, and public participation in planning processes.
To challenge harmful planning policies and plans and expose rights violations resulting from discriminatory planning and unjust allocation of land and other resources.
Bimkom strives to attain this through a multi-pronged approach that includes providing professional planning advice to communities; objecting to harmful plans; representing communities in planning and legal proceedings; conducting research and publishing reports and policy papers that raise awareness of problems and solutions; and advocating with planning authorities, duty-bearers, and decision-makers.
1999
Bimkom is established
Planners, exposed to discrimination and violations of human rights in planning, establish Bimkom.
In April 1999, Bimkom was founded with the aim of strengthening the connection between human rights and Israel’s planning systems. The motivation for establishing Bimkom came from the founders’ daily encounters with discrimination and violations of human rights in various planning frameworks in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) of East Jerusalem and the West Bank (Area C).
2001
Conceptual framework
Planning rights — a new concept developed by Bimkom. The organization’s conceptual foundation is formulated and disseminated through conferences and study evenings.
During Bimkom’s first five years, alongside work in the field with and on behalf of communities, the organization’s conceptual foundation was shaped. It was presented to the public through conferences and study evenings with lecturers from Israel and abroad, as well as the general public.
Between 2001 and 2005, six conferences were held, focusing on: Community–institution relations (2001); Human rights and planning (2001); Ethics in planning (2002); On borders, planning, and separation (2003); Gender and planning (2004); and Planning rights (2005).
2003
Focus on Communities
Bimkom focuses on strengthening communities, residents, and citizens in their encounters with Israel’s exclusionary planning system.
Bimkom meets groups of residents from different parts of the country to learn about and gain exposure to the world of planning and human rights through local planning issues. This included with the women of the ‘Mahapach’ community in Florentin, with Bedouin citizens from Qasr al-Sir in the Negev, and with residents in Sderot, Petah Tikva, and the Gazelle Valley in Jerusalem.
2004
Kaminker Project for Planning al-Issawiyah
Bimkom works with residents, activists, and a team of consultants to promote a detailed master plan for this large urban neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
This project was named after Sarah Kaminker, one of the Bimkom’s co-founders. It was the first plan of its kind, involving in-depth work with Palestinian residents, Israeli activists, and a professional planning team led by architect Eran Mebel. The residents’ plan was ultimately not implemented, but it had a significant influence on the plan approved 20 years later.
2006
Discrimination in East Jerusalem
We exposed the systemic and blatant discrimination against Palestinians in the Jerusalem 2000 master plan.
Bimkom presented its analysis of the Jerusalem 2000 master plan to the planners, Jerusalem Municipality, and policymakers, resulting in changes to the plan. The most significant change was a substantial increase in building volumes in Palestinian neighborhoods. Bimkom also obtained acknowledgment by the Jerusalem that it neglects Palestinian neighborhoods.
2007
Bi’ilin high court case
The Bi’ilin High Court petition against the route of the Separation Barrier led to a correction of the barrier’s route.
The route of the Separation Barrier near the Palestinian village of Bil’in was planned in accordance with settlement expansion plans rather than security considerations. The barrier was built on village lands, cutting it off from nearly half of its agricultural land and main source of livelihood. The petition led to the correction of the barrier’s route.
2011
Social protests and reform
Bimkom works to promote affordable housing for all and to safeguard the public interest within the planning system.
Against the backdrop of the social protests over the cost of living and housing, Bimkom joined a coalition of organizations and activists fighting for long-term and sustainable planning solutions, and for housing accessible to all. We also fought to protect the public interest within the planning system and helped halt a destructive “reform” to the Planning and Building Law.
2014
Public objector
Official recognition that Bimkom represents the public interest.
Bimkom was granted statutory status as a ‘public objector’ under the Planning and Building Law. This status grants us the right to appear before planning committees on any planning matter that raises social issues.
2015
Recognition of Bedouin villages
Master Plan for Recognizing the Negev’s Unrecognized Bedouin Villages in the Negev
After the elections for the 20th Knesset, the Arab-Palestinian Knesset members set out on a four-day march from the Negev to the President’s Residence in Jerusalem to give him the master plan for recognition of the Negev’s unrecognized Bedouin villages, a plan that Bimkom published together with partners in 2012.
2016
Historical recognition in the West Bank
The High Court recognizes the South Hebron Hills village of Dkeika and cancels its planned demolition.
Years of efforts to help Dkeika residents in the West Bank fend off threats of demolition and expulsion, and to obtain recognition as a locality, bear fruit. An aerial photograph discovered by the Bimkom team tipped the balance in favor of recognition.
2017
Essential infrastructures
The High Court recognizes the village of Dar al-Malah and orders that it be connected to electricity.
After Bimkom filed a petition to the High Court as part of the struggle for recognition of the West Bank village of Daher al-Malih, the state agreed to connect the village to the electricity grid and to deposit a master plan.
2019
Affordable housing
A certain widening of the right to housing, not only for the wealthy, in the city of Tel Aviv.
In response to Bimkom’s objection to Tel Aviv’s Sde Dov Quarter Plan, the municipality and the Israel Land Authority recognized the importance of building affordable housing in Israel’s most expensive city. Accordingly, the residential quarter plan slated to replace the Sde Dov airport was amended.
2020
Bimkom influences
Bimkom Executive Director Hedva Radovanitz appears on the list of the 100 most influential people in Israel.
2023
Bedouin heritage in northern Israel
The nature reserve Giv’ot Alonim was given the additional Arabic name Al-Ghaba, thus highlighting values connected to the area’s Bedouin heritage.
The plan for a nature reserve in the Gvaot Alonim area focused on protecting “nature” and an “important ecological corridor,” but ignored the Bedouins who shaped the landscape. The inclusion of the Bedouin tribes’ heritage in the reserve’s values and planning documents was achieved following a lengthy planning struggle.
2024
Distributive justice
Bimkom expands to include the work of the Association for Distributive Justice (ADJ).
Bimkom adopts the content and activities of the Association for Distributive Justice as a new project.
Transparency
Bimkom – an independent, professional nonprofit organization – thanks all its donors who support the advancement of human rights worldwide and who recognize the value and professional integrity of our work. In accordance with the 2016 amendment to the Nonprofit Organizations Law (1999), we are obligated, as an accountability-focused organization that maintains its independence through external funding, to report that the majority of Bimkom’s funding comes from foreign state entities.
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Board of Directors
Dr. Chen Misgav, Chair of the Board of Directors
Geographer and urban planner whose research focuses on planning with communities and the ways planning systems affect diverse populations. Holds an MSc in Urban Planning from Technion and a PhD in Geography and Human Environment from Tel Aviv University. Research has examined planning policy, sexuality, and community-based planning needs. Chair of the Board of Directors from August 2024, member from 2007
Dr. Oren Shlomo, Chair of Finance and Personnel Committee
Teaches and researches political geography and urbanization, with a focus on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the spatial dimensions of governance and control. Has examined patterns of Israeli rule and urban management in East Jerusalem through doctoral research at Ben Gurion University and postdoctoral research at Harvard University. Currently researches and teaches public policy at the Open University. Chair of Finance and Personnel Committee. Member from 2016.
Dr. Nir Barak
Senior Lecturer at Ben Gurion University specializing in environmental political theory, with a PhD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Research bridges questions of urban democracy and environmental philosophy, drawing connections between political frameworks, ecological justice, and public responsibility. Member from 2025.
Dr. Ariel Handel
Interdisciplinary researcher and lecturer at Bezalel Academy, Ben Gurion University, and Tel Aviv University. Serves as editor-partner of Mafteakh, a lexical periodical of political thought, and previously co-directed the Minerva Humanities Center at Tel Aviv University. Research focuses on movement systems in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the history of West Bank settlements, and the political and ethical dimensions of space, power, and violence. Member from 2022.
Rana Khatieb
Urban planner, civil engineer, and interior designer. Serves as a municipal engineer in Al-Tira and brings extensive experience in planning. Has worked in private construction and engineering firms as well as in public-sector planning roles, including in the Engineering Administration of the Bat Yam Municipality, the Tel Aviv District Planning and Building Office, and the Beit HaKerem Valley Regional Planning Committee. Member from 2025.
Tamar Kfir
Brings extensive public-sector planning experience, including senior leadership roles in Israel’s national and district planning institutions. Formerly served as a senior director in the Planning Authority’s Integrated Planning Department. Academic training includes architectural engineering, computer programming, and systems analysis. Member from 2022.
Eran Tamir-Tawil
Vardit Tsurnamel
Landscape architect and graduate of the Technion’s Department of Landscape Architecture, with an MA in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University. Partner in the Tsurnamel–Turner Landscape Architecture firm, supporting a wide range of landscape planning work that shapes public spaces and environmental environments. Member from 2019.
Littal Yadin
Urban planner with extensive experience in both public and independent planning work. Holds a design degree from Bezalel Academy (Jerusalem) and an MSc in Urban Planning from Columbia University (New York). Previously served in senior public planning roles, including Director of the Urban Planning Department at the Jerusalem Municipality and Deputy Director General for Planning at the Israel Government Tourist Corporation. Since 2004 has worked independently, including as a consultant to national infrastructure processes, and participated in joint Israeli–Palestinian planning training at Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salam. Member of Finance and Personnel Committee, Member of Board of Directors from 2010.
Mohammad Yones
Architect and urban planner with advanced academic training in architecture, urban and regional planning, and political science (local government). Runs an urban planning firm and has held public and professional representation roles within local and regional planning committees. Active in civil society organizations and teaches in the Department of Sociology, Political Science and Communication at the Open University. Member of Finance and Personnel Committee, Member of Board of Directors from 2019.
Dr. Batya Roded
A resident of Arad, geographer and activist for a better future in the Negev. Founder of the Good Neighborhood Group and the Arad Intercultural Community Group, which she also managed. A member of Fair Regional Space -an expert group of Negev residents , where she is still active today. In the past, she was a teacher, lecturer and developer of geography learning programs. Member from 2025.
Team Members
Fares Abu Obeid, Negev Field Researcher
Holds an M.Ed. and is a senior qualified teacher. Social activist and initiator of young leadership groups, kindergartens, a mobile library, and a weaving project for the Bedouin community in the Negev.
fares@bimkom.orgDr. Michal Braier, Head of Research and Publications
Architect, urban planner, and researcher. Research focuses on struggles for spatial justice and equality. Teaches urban planning at the Urban Clinic at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Previously held postdoctoral fellowships at the Truman Institute for Peace Studies and the Minerva Center for Human Rights. Served as Chair of Bimkom’s board (2020–2024).
michal@bimkom.orgRevital Brilenshtein, Director of Spatial Justice Program
Lawyer; worked for 17 years at The Association for Distributive Justice, promoting equitable management and allocation of land and environmental resources in Israel.
revital@bimkom.orgEfrat Cohen Bar, Co-executive Director
Architect; holds a B.Arch. and MA from Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem. Specializes in architectural and urban planning, with previous experience in landscape and environmental planning. Formerly served as deputy director.
efrat@bimkom.orgAlon Cohen Lifshitz, Director of Area C department
Architect; holds an MA in International Development (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and a B.Arch. in Architecture (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem). Has professional experience in a range of planning fields in the oPt, Israel, and East Africa, including outline plans, landscape planning, private construction, conservation projects, and conducting planning surveys and reports..
alon@bimkom.orgConnie Hackbarth, Co-executive Director
Holds an MA in International Human Rights Law and Philosophy (University of London) and a BA in African Studies and International Relations (Hebrew University of Jerusalem). Has extensive experience in organizational development, resource development, and management with human rights and peace organizations based in Palestine and Israel.
connie@bimkom.orgSari Kronish, Director of East Jerusalem department
Architect; holds an M.Arch. from Columbia University, New York. Has worked on a range of architectural projects in both the private and public sectors.
sari@bimkom.orgVictor Lederfarb, Financial manager
Holds an MBA. Has been active for the past two decades in human rights organizations, including as a board member, accountant, and financial advisor.
victor@bimkom.orgDiana Mardi, Area C Field Researcher
Former journalist and current community activist in the West Bank.
diana@bimkom.orgDr. Yael Padan, Researcher
Architect and researcher; holds a PhD in Sociology and an MSc in Architectural History and Theory. Research examines theoretical, methodological, and empirical dimensions of spatial and environmental inequality, including the role of public policy, power relations, epistemic injustices, and intersectional marginalisation.
yael@bimkom.orgAssaf Peled, Project manager Area C
Urban planner; holds two MA degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: Geography and Town Planning (specialization in regional planning) and International Relations. Has professional experience in gender-sensitive city planning and in addressing planning challenges related to the climate crisis.
assaf@bimkom.orgDafna Saporta, Head of the Negev Project
Architect and urban planner; holds a B.Arch. in Architecture (Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem). Has experience in planning and community participation processes in East Jerusalem and the Negev.
dafna@bimkom.orgRawan Shalaldeh, Planner, East Jerusalem
Architect; holds a BA in Architectural Engineering (Birzeit University) and an MA in Urban Design (Bezalel Academy). Focuses on spatial planning and justice, including approaches to equitable and inclusive cities.
rawan@bimkom.orgNava Sheer, Head of GIS and mapping unit
Urban planner and GIS specialist; holds an MA in Urban Planning from Hunter College, New York. Has professional experience in economic development, transportation planning, citizen participation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
nava@bimkom.orgClara Toubassi, Office Manager
Has worked at Bimkom since 2015 as office manager. Graduate of a bookkeeping course (Type 2). Speaks four languages: Hebrew, Arabic, English, and Romanian.
bimkom@bimkom.orgMa'ayan Turner, Resource and project development director
עובדת בבמקום מ-2012, עבדה והתנדבה בעבר בארגוני זכויות אדם ושינוי חברתי, כתיבה, תרגום ועבודה קהילתית. תואר שני MAHL היברו יוניון קולג’.
maayan@bimkom.orgCesar Yehudkin, Director of policy and Arab/mixed city localities
Urban planner; holds an MA in Geography and Town Planning (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and an MA in Public Policy (Tel Aviv University). Previously participated in planning teams working on residential neighborhoods, urban renewal, and transportation systems.
cesar@bimkom.orgAmal Zoabi, Planner, Area C
Planner; holds a BA from Bezalel and an Erasmus Mundus European MA in Diagnosis and Repair of Buildings (Seville, Spain). Previously worked at Bimkom (2003–2007) and has additional experience in private architectural offices and at SPNI and the Museum on the Seam.
amal@bimkom.orgRan Yaron, Spokesperson
Independent communications consultant working with a wide range of clients, with a focus on social organizations and human rights groups. Also lectures at the School of Communications at Reichman University (IDC Herzliya). Holds a BA in Political Science, Arabic, and Middle Eastern Studies, and an MA in Arabic from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ranyaron79@gmail.com.
ranyaron79@gmail.comRed Star PR, Social Media
Past Chairpersons
1999 — 2003
Prof. Tova Fenster. Founder
2003 — 2004
Arch. Eli Ilan. Founder
2004 — 2007
Arch. Yoav Weinberg
2007 — 2010
Arch. Prof. Haim Yacobi. Founder
2010 — 2013
Prof. Yishai Blank
2013 — 2016
Landscape arch. Dr. Naama Meishar
2016 — 2020
Prof. Erez Tzfadia
2020 — 2024
Arch. Dr. Michal Braier
