The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror has announced that it will provide financial assistance to more than one hundred individuals and families affected by terror attacks since October, as well as to some twenty families who have lost loved ones in the attacks. The aid has been made possible by contributions from The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren HaYesod-UIA, individual Jewish Federations, and individual donors, and will total approximately $1 million (NIS 4 million). Any Israeli citizen or foreign national recognized by the government as a victim of terror is eligible to receive Jewish Agency assistance. The Fund for Victims of Terror operates in partnership with the Ministry of Defense and the National Insurance Institute.

Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency Natan Sharansky said: “The support provided by Jewish communities around the world is not only financial in nature. This is an expression of Diaspora Jewry’s solidarity with the people of Israel, which is also manifested by the hundreds of thousands of Jews who visit Israel, the tens of thousands of Jewish young people who participate in Israel experience programs, and the record number of Jews who choose to immigrate to Israel – even now.”

Each family will receive financial assistance of up to NIS 25,000 meant to supplement government support for victims of terror. Families who have lost loved ones in terror attacks and those physically or emotionally affected will be able to use the financial aid for rehabilitation, supplemental treatment, the purchase of medical equipment, personal empowerment, and other purposes. The first ten families will receive financial assistance in the coming days, and altogether more than one hundred families are expected to receive Jewish Agency assistance.

In addition to the supplemental assistance, the fund offers emergency assistance of NIS 4,000 to any family affected by terror in order to help them address immediate needs in the aftermath of an attack. Since the beginning of the current wave of terror, such assistance has been provided to approximately seventy families across Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)