During a session that took place in Knesset last week, harsh words were heard against the chareidi tzibur in Eretz Yisrael, accusing them of “being entitled to free medications”, eliciting the anger of MK Uri Maklev, who protested “the lies” presented and clarified that what was reported is simply untrue.

Maklev did not make do with this, and in light of the incitement against the chareidim, he had his office probe the matter among persons receiving senior citizens pensions and supplementary income from the government.

Contrary to the claims that chareidim receive free pharmaceuticals (because they receive supplementary income), the data released by Bituach Leumi paints a contradictory picture.

A probe in chareidi communities revealed that those who receive supplementary income and senior citizens payment in the chareidi community is lower than the general population, which stands at 16%.

For example, in the city of Bnei Brak, supplementary income stands at 10.8%, in Rechasim, 9.8%, Modi’in Illit 12.3%, and Elad 8.5%.

If one looks at some of the non-chareidi communities, we see what Maklev means as in Haifa, the number stands at 18.1%, Ramle 21%, Bat Yam 21.8%, Holon 14%, Hadera 18.8%, Lod 24%, Afula 23.5%, and Ashkelon 27.7%.

Shmuel Sammy Kedar, who represented the ‘HaLev’ organization during the session, began a harsh attack against the chareidim, who said the chareidim simply do not pay for their medications and this is unacceptable.

Kedar continued his incitement, explaining the chareidim run the money and they don’t pay for medications. Maklev was quick to fire back and he delivered the true facts as listed above.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)