A number of weeks ago, Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik met with the Schijveschuurder children, one of a number of orphans who lost both parents in a terror attack (reported HERE on YWN). In their case, they also lost three siblings.
 
While the meeting was going on, Itzik telephoned the director-general of Bituach Leumi, Esther Dominsini, who promised she would assist the victims of the terror as well as working towards amending the law which discriminates against children who lose both parents in a terror attack as opposed to losing one parent.
 
Itzik also instructed Knesset Director-General Avi Balshinikov to head the effort and to make certain that the matter was prepared properly and presented to the treasury.
 
In the coming days, a meeting is scheduled in Knesset between terror victim representatives, Balshinikov, and NRP MK Zevulun Orlev, who has already submitted a bill seeking to amend the law.
 
“It is unacceptable that the state does not accept responsibility in such matters. Especially here, where we are not dealing with too many families although money should not be the [state’s] issue” stated the Knesset speaker.
 
Chaim Putusi of Bituach Leumi stated payments made to terror victims are based on existing law and there is no law addressing the loss of both parents in a terror attack. In recent years, Bituach Leumi even took the initiative towards amending some of the laws, even making recommendations to the Goldberg Commission, but change did not occur.
 
“I am sorry that families are left with a bad feeling but the law just does not provide for these families. Bituach Leumi does its utmost to do what it can within the current framework. The first visit is with family members during the shiva, a personal and sensitive effort. Rehabilitation officials then seek to maintain a firm relationship with bereaved victims, both one-on-one as well as group contact,” Putusi stated.
 
Despite extremely harsh criticism against Bituach Leumi, there are words of praise for the rehabilitation department of the institute. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)