MDA donors cover costs for Shoah victims

Fund covers costs for Holocaust survivors in need of ambulatory services succeeds in providing significant help.

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Magen David Adom ambulances 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Magen David Adom ambulances 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A fund established by Magen David Adom last year to cover costs for Holocaust survivors in need of ambulatory services has succeeded in providing survivors with significant help, the organization said on Monday as part of Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations.
Standard health insurance covers some ambulance expenses, but not cases that are not considered emergencies.
Israeli law prohibits MDA from providing free services, spurring the establishment of a fund to help this aging, unique population.
About 192,000 Holocaust survivors live in Israel today, but some 1,000 die each month. Many cannot afford the charge for elective trips to hospitals, health clinics, National Insurance Institute offices and other institutions.
MDA said that in the year that has elapsed since the fund was established, dozens of survivors submitted applications for financial assistance.
The organization’s “Friends” association in France set up the fund, which reimburses survivors according to set criteria. MDA’s “Friends” association in Britain also participates in the effort.
Dr. Lazar Kaplan, president of the French branch, said that he regarded the project as very important and thanked the donors who care about the welfare of survivors.