Last update - 00:00 07/03/2007
Gaydamak to help fund monument to victims of helicopter disaster
By Eli Ashkenazi, Haaretz Correspondent
The bereaved families of the soldiers killed in the 1997 Air Force chopper disaster are expected to accept multi-millionaire Arcadi Gaydamak's offer to donate $450,000 toward the completion of the monument commemorating their loved ones.
So far, $600,000 have gone into the construction of the monument south of Kibbutz Dafna in the Galilee, but that wasn't not enough to complete the work. "We are not in any position to say no. Beggars can't be choosers", explained the bereaved mother of Avi Opner, Ra'aia, who coordinates the commemoration activities.
"We thank all donors, but we would rather see the state take the matter upon itself. That would be more appropriate than collecting donations. For 10 years now we have been seeking funding. We're tired", she explained.
Upon learning of Gaydamak's involvement, Merez MK Ran Cohen submitted a bill Tuesday for the commemoration of the chopper disaster, proposing NIS 2.5 million be allotted for the construction of the monument.
"The State of Israel must commemorate its fallen soldiers. Relying on donations is shameful, and Gaydamak's involvement only casts more doubts on the matter," Cohen warned. "Gaydamak is politically motivated and we must not allow him to take over the commemoration of fallen IDF soldiers."