Knesset approves benefits for Holocaust survivors

With a 66-member majority, the Knesset approved a law last night designed to improve conditions for needy Holocaust survivors eligible for compensation.

According to the new law, Holocaust survivors who receive aid for rent from the Housing Ministry will get an additional 10 percent, and homeless survivors will receive preference in the allocation of public housing.

Needy survivors will be given a 75 percent discount on medicine available to them as part of the health care basket, and survivors will be exempt from the television tax.

The Finance Ministry will oppose the law, because its estimated cost will be NIS 90 million annually. MK Yuri Stern (National Union) said the new law is expected to cost NIS 60 million per year.

Stern gathered signatures from 61 MKs, who demanded to bring the proposal to a vote during the first reading, before copies of the law were distributed to MKs. The bill's approval during the first reading will enable the legislation to continue into the next Knesset session, after the election.

According to Stern, the proposed law does the survivors at least a minimal amount of justice.

"I'm embarrassed by the fact that the Israeli government and the finance minister are stubbornly and inexplicably fighting this proposal," Stern continued.

In the same session, MKs passed bills granting aid for polio victims.

	Holocaust survivors protesting outside the Knesset yesterday.
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