According to the worrisome results of recently released poll, 20% of Israel’s elderly community cannot afford heating. According to the International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, 21% of the nation’s elderly live under the poverty level and that percentage is high relative to the nation’s population among OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations.

Dr. Valentin Akbson, 83, lives alone in his rented Arad apartment, located in an old partially destroyed building. He explains there is no insulation, no heating, simply cold. He sits in his home all day wearing a number of coats he told Ynet.

Akbson’s case is not unique unfortunately.

He arrived in Israel from Russia in 2002 after his wife died. He was a nephrologist in his native country but now he reports his condition mimics that of his former patients. He suffers from chronic cardiac and pulmonary issues and he is now an invalid. Bituach Leumi pays for an aid five days a week for four hours daily to assist him with basic functions. Yechiel Eckstein of the International Fellowship says government officials should be embarrassed as too many senior citizens must decide between eating and filling prescriptions for medications and they are compelled to live without heating.

Eckstein adds that his organization does what it can, and the assistance is significant, and it is time for the government to step up and accept responsibility and care for these people, Israel’s elderly poor.

In a related matter, Israel Electric Company on Wednesday 8 Teves released a message to the press that during the coming days, the first winter snowstorm, the utility company will not disconnect clients for nonpayment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)