Five disabled northern residents in motorized wheelchairs, armed with water and basic supplies, set out on Sunday for Yerushalayim, hoping to pick up support on their way. The disabled citizens explain they are just unable to live on the miserly monthly national government assistance and they are demanding a reasonable cost-of-living increase to permit them to live with dignity.

They explain that gasoline prices have risen, along with food and other basics, pointing out for example, they are usually compelled to drive to Tel Aviv to deal with government agencies and with current gas price realities, the cost is prohibitive. In addition, they report that the cost of a foreign worker assisting in their day-to-day needs is usually NIS 4,000 a month, while they only receive NIS 2,000 a month from the national government.

The group set out in July but was compelled to turn back due to logistical problems. This time they explain, they hope to make it.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)