Assistance to Victims of Enemy Actions

The State of Israel takes responsibility for aiding every person harmed by enemy actions (officially known as ‘victims of enemy actions’). The Department of Rehabilitation of the National Insurance Institute is the main, official body responsible for providing services to all residents of Israel harmed by terrorist actions, and their families, regardless of when they become Israeli citizens. Soldiers injured in terror attacks receive services from the Ministry of Defense. Further, the staff of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption is always available and willing to provide whatever assistance they can, and to provide referrals to appropriate sources of help.
The information below on compensation to victims of enemy actions is based on a Hebrew-language booklet produced by the National Insurance Institute. More detailed information is available from branch offices of the National Insurance Institute, or from the social services department of your local authority. In most locations, you can contact your local authority by dialing 106/7.

The Compensation Law for Victims of Enemy Actions (1970) covers:
o Citizens and residents of Israel, and foreign citizens working for an Israeli employer, who are injured on Israeli territory, Judea, Samaria or the Gaza Strip.
o Tourists visiting Israel in accordance with the law, who are injured in Israel or Judea, Samaria or the Gaza Strip.
Note that one who is injured within the territory of another country, and who receives compensation from the government of that country, is not eligible to receive compensation from the State of Israel.
The law does not cover those who join or support a terrorist organization.
According to the law, victims of terror attacks, and their families, regardless of when they receive Israeli citizenship, are entitled to a number of benefits, including financial compensation, from the State of Israel.
All matters concerning the classification of an incident as an ‘enemy action’ are handled by the Certification Authority of the Ministry of Defense. Authorization from the Authority is a primary condition for receiving compensation. Without such authorization, the National Insurance Institute will not consider any claim for compensation.
It is possible to appeal in writing against a denial of authorization on the part of the Authority through the Appeals Committee, which is next to the Tel Aviv District Court. Appeals must be sent within 60 days of the date of receipt of the Authority’s decision. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final and cannot be altered.
The Disability Law (1959) defines the levels of financial assistance granted to victims of enemy actions.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
The National Insurance Institute covers medical expenses related to a victim’s injuries, including initial medical care, hospitalization in any hospital recognized by the Ministry of Health (and that is not private), ongoing care, and rehabilitation. Further, refunds are given for the purchases of medications and medical equipment, as well as for the costs of transporting the injured person to and from medical treatment.
If one is classified as "lightly injured," it is necessary to go to the nearest branch of the National Insurance Institute with a letter of referral from their health fund or the hospital where first aid treatment was administered. If one did not arrive at a hospital in an ambulance, it is also necessary to bring authorization from the police.
In the case of those classified as "seriously injured," the National Insurance Institute will send a social worker to assist patients and family members in making initial arrangements. The social worker will also assist in filing the claim for recognition as a victim of an enemy action, and will provide patients and families with whatever information that they need.
A claim for recognition as a victim of an enemy action must be filed with the National Insurance Institute within one year of the incident. The National Insurance Institute has the right to refuse recognition in cases where a claim is filed more than one year later.
In cases where injuries are likely to result in either partial or total loss of ability to work, the patient is referred to the Medical Committee of the National Insurance Institute, which will determine the extent to which the disability is temporary or permanent. Once the level of disability is determined, the individual will in most cases be eligible either for a monthly allowance or a one-time payment. Generally speaking, one who is classified with a disability of 10%-19% can receive a one-time payment, while one with a disability classified as 20% or higher is eligible for a monthly allowance according to the type of disability. Decisions of the Medical Committee may be appealed within 30 days of their receipt. Appeals should be sent to the Secretary of the Medical Committee of the National Insurance Institute.
One who receives a disability allowance may further be eligible for a number of other benefits. These benefits may include:
o Assistance in purchasing an apartment
o Partial payment of telephone expenses
o Assistance towards children’s school fees
o Assistance towards household expenses
o Assistance in purchasing an air conditioner and clothing
o A convalescence allowance
o Exemption from television fees
o A victim of an enemy action who is classified as having a disability of 10% and over may receive a discount on municipal taxes ( arnona). The local authority determines the level of the discount. A list of those eligible for a discount is submitted to the local authorities annually by the National Insurance Institute.
o One who is 40% disabled may receive chronic care services.
o One who is 50% disabled may receive an annual grant for home heating and other benefits.
o Those with a 20% disability may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation and training.

ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF ENEMY ACTIONS
Family members of victims of enemy actions, including parents, siblings, children and spouses, can receive payment towards travel expenses, board and lodging expenses in cases where an individual is hospitalized in moderate, serious, or critical condition. If there is a dining facility in the hospital, family members can receive special vouchers for use in the facility. If there is no facility in the hospital, relatives are given cash refunds towards meal expenses. The hospital and National Insurance Institute social workers are responsible for handling these arrangements.
In most hospitals, there are sleeping facilities for the use of family members. In cases where there are no such facilities, the National Insurance Institute will cover the costs of lodging in a regular hotel. Similarly, compensation will be paid for lost workdays, and for the costs of childcare, from the day of the injury until such time as the patient’s condition no longer necessitates the continuous presence of family members at the hospital.
It is possible to consult with a rehabilitation worker from the National Insurance Institute about any issue related to injuries caused by enemy actions. The Institute also offers support groups for persons affected by an enemy action. Notices about support groups are publicized, or you can get information from a branch office of the Institute.
In addition to the National Insurance Institute, numerous public bodies offer assistance to victims of enemy actions, including psychological counseling and practical help. It should be stressed that every person harmed by an enemy action is entitled to the help that they require, regardless of their ability to speak and understand Hebrew. It is always possible to request an English-speaking social worker or counselor, or a referral to one. No person should let a lack of Hebrew prevent them from receiving the help that they need, at any time. Included among the bodies offering assistance is "Sela" (Assistance to Immigrants in Crisis,) which offers immediate practical support as well as long-term forms of assistance such as support groups. You can also consult with a counselor from one of the English-speaking immigrant organizations for guidance and referrals, or contact the Eran Mental Health Hotline (see Useful Addresses).
For more detailed information on matters pertaining to injuries, rights, and conditions of assistance, consult with the nearest branch of the National Insurance Institute. You can also visit their website, www.btl.gov.il.

COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGED PROPERTY
If damage was caused to your property during an enemy action, or during attempts to prevent or neutralize such an action, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Detailed information is available on filing a claim for compensation, as well as information on the required documents, from the branch offices of the Property Tax ( Mas Richush) nearest you.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

Selected list Web site: www.moia.gov.il
E-mail: info@moia.gov.il

Main Office 2 Rehov Kaplan, Kiryat Ben Gurion, Jerusalem 91950

National Telephone Information Center (02) 6750355 Public Inquiries (02) 6752765

Jerusalem and Southern District Headquarters 15 Rehov Hillel (02) 6214555

Jerusalem 94581 Fax: (02) 6222807 Publications Department (02) 6241585

Haifa and Northern District Headquarters 15 Sderot HaPalyam (04) 8681322/35 Haifa 33095 Fax: (04) 8681337

Tel Aviv District Headquarters 6 Rehov Esther HaMalka (03) 5209133 Tel Aviv 64398 Fax: (03) 5270262

Central District Headquarters 5 Rehov HaTachana (09) 7424599 First Floor, Kfar Saba 44530 Fax: (09) 7424264

Beer Sheva and Negev District Headquarters Beit Oshira (08) 6230876 31 Rehov Zalman Shazar Fax: (08) 6238810 Beer Sheva 84105

The National Insurance Institute Main Office (02) 6709211 13 Sderot Weizmann, Jerusalem 95437
District Offices

101 Rehov HaNasi, Ashkelon 78328 (08) 6741111
6 Rehov Wolfson, Beer Sheva 84896 (08) 6295311
3 Rehov Nasi Yisrael, Carmiel 21921 (04) 9907333
39 Rehov Weizmann, Cfar Saba 44351 (09) 7479888
7 Rehov Hillel Yaffe, Hadera 38203 (04) 6328111
47 Sderot HaMeginim, Haifa 33265 (04) 8544111
4 Rehov Shimon Ben Shetach (02) 6755555 Jerusalem 94147
42 Sderot Weizmann, Naharia 22380 (04) 9528111
22 Sderot Weizmann, Netanya 42251 (09) 8602777
5 Rehov HaAliyah HaShniya 03) 9391818 Petach Tikva 49360
15 Rehov HaHashmonaim (03) 6751234 Ramat Gan 52482
64 Rehov Remez, Rehovot 76449 (08) 9345919
16 Rehov Jabotinsky (03) 9681010 Rishon LeTzion 75229
17 Rehov Yitzhak Sadeh (03) 6250000 Tel Aviv 67775

Branch Offices
6 Rehov Rambam, Ashdod 77342 (08) 8513222
2 Rehov Jabotinsky, Bat Yam 59446 (03) 5127090
8 Rehov HaNasi, Beit Shemesh 99037 (02) 9912071
17 Rehov Yerushalayim (03) 6751234 Bnai Brak 51450
6 Sderot HaTamarim, Eilat 88000 (08) 6372114
22 Rehov Ben Gurion, Hertzlia 56785 (03) 9594444
50 Binyan Lev HaIr, Kiryat Shmona (04) 6836000
104 Rehov Yerushalayim, Tzfat 13224 (04) 6825111

Property Tax (Mas Richush)
66 Rehov Kanfei Nesharim (02) 6545222 Jerusalem 95464
55 Derech Petach Tikva (03) 5656111 Tel Aviv 67137
15 Sderot HaPalyam (04) 8630400 Haifa 31002
31 Sderot Shazar (08) 6293555 Beer Sheva 84105

Selah – Assistance to Immigrants In Crisis
15 Rehov Chevrat Shas (03) 5107750 Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv 65156 Fax: (03) 5107751

Eran Mental Health Hotline
National Number 1201
Jerusalem (02) 5630301
Tel Aviv (03) 5461111
Haifa and the North (04) 8672222
Netanya (09) 8625110
Kfar Sava (09) 7674555
Beer Sheva and the South (08) 6494333

English-Speaking Immigrant Organizations Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI)
Web site: www.aaci.org.il
E-mail: info@aaci.org.il
6 Rehov Mane (02) 5617151 Jerusalem 92227 Fax: (02) 5661186
198 Rehov HaYarkon (03) 5291707 Tel Aviv 63405 Fax: (03) 5291706
28 Rehov Shmuel HaNatziv (09) 8330950 Netanya 42281 Fax: (09) 8629183
Matnas "Yud Aleph" (08) 6433953 Rehov Mordechai Namir (08) 6434461 Beer Sheva 84483

UJIA (Incorporating Olim from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand)
E-mail: Israel@UJIA.org.il
76 Rehov Ibn Gvirol (03) 6965244/65/6/7 POB 16266, Tel Aviv 61162 Fax: (03) 6967049
13 Sderot Ben Maimon (02) 5634822 Jerusalem 92262 Fax: (02) 5663193
Calanit Square (04) 9989940 POB 348, Carmiel 20100 Fax: (04) 9980939
South African Zionist Federation
Web site: www.telfed.org.il
E-mail: telfed@inter.net.il
Head Office (09) 7446110 19/3 Rehov Schwartz Fax: (09) 7446112 First Floor, Ra’ananna 43212
13 Rehov Ben Maimon (02) 5634822 Jerusalem 92223 Fax: (02) 5663193

ESRA – English Speaking Residents Association
E-mail: esra@trendline.co.il
Website: www.esra.org.il
POB 3132 (09) 9580632 Herzliya 46104 Fax: (09) 9581583
Catalogue Number: 0114801212 Jerusalem 2002

© 2003 University of the Holy Land