The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror will provide financial assistance to more than one hundred individuals and families who have been affected by terror attacks since October, as well as to some twenty families who have lost loved ones in the attacks. The aid has been made possible by contributions from The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod-UIA, individual jewish federations, and individual donors, and will total 4 million shekels, or roughly $1,023,000.
Israeli citizens and foreign national who are recognized by Israel’s government as victims of terror are eligible to receive Jewish Agency assistance. The Fund for Victims of Terror operates in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and the National Insurance Institute.
Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky said in a statement: “The support provided by Jewish communities around the world is not only financial in nature. This is an expression of Diaspora Jewry’s solidarity with the people of Israel, which is also manifested by the hundreds of thousands of Jews who visit Israel, the tens of thousands of Jewish young people who participate in Israel experience programs, and the record number of Jews who choose to immigrate to Israel – even now.”
Each family will receive financial assistance of up to 25,000 shekels (about $6,400), intended to supplement government support for victims of terror. Families who have lost loved ones in terror attacks and those who have been physically or emotionally affected will be able to use the financial aid for rehabilitation, supplemental treatment, purchasing medical equipment, and “personal empowerment.” The first ten families on the list will receive financial assistance in the coming days, and altogether more than one hundred families are expected to receive Jewish Agency assistance.
In addition to the supplemental assistance, the fund offers emergency assistance of 4,000 shekels (a little over $1,000) to any family affected by terror, to help them address immediate needs in the aftermath of an attack. Since the beginning of the current wave of terror, such assistance has been provided to some seventy families across Israel.