MK (Yahadut Hatorah) is calling for the establishment of a public committee that would set a minimum standard for assisting the elderly to ensure everyone is able to live an honorable lifestyle. During a meeting of the Knesset Law Committee dealing with the situation for Holocaust survivors, Maklev stated none of the nation’s economic policies can be on the backs of survivors.

He feels the public committee would set a minimum standard of government assistance for the nation’s elderly, permitting them to live as they should. Maklev spoke of his plan during a meeting headed by MKs (Labor) Dr. Nachman Shai and Itzik Shmuli, discussing the formation of a Knesset lobby to address the rights and needs of the elderly.

Maklev added it is clear to all that the monthly sum given to the elderly by Bituach Leumi is not sufficient for them to live honorably. He cited that the elderly have many expenses and too often elderly citizens are compelled to decide to select between eating of buying medication. Maklev feels lawmakers are simply out of touch, unaware of the situation that is the life of too many elderly citizens. He pointed out that many do not have pensions or their pensions are insufficient and they are not able to maintain a minimum modest standard.

He added NIS 150 million has been allocated to Holocaust survivors, who for the most part are quite elderly. He called for expediting the process for with each passing day, fewer survivors will be here to benefit from state aid.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)