Herzog: Siblings of fallen soldiers should get benefits

“It is up to the State of Israel to acknowledge these bereaved siblings and relate in some way to their sensitive situation.”

By RUTH EGLASH
ISAAC HERZOG (photo credit: courtesy)
ISAAC HERZOG
(photo credit: courtesy)
Ahead of Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening, Welfare and Social Services Minister of Isaac Herzog has called on the state to establish a fund to support siblings of soldiers who fell in the line of duty.
According to a statement released from the minister’s office on Saturday, thousands of bereaved brothers and sisters of IDF soldiers have little or no access to the services provided to orphans, widows and parents of those who have died for the country. They barely figure in the national consciousness when it comes to remembering family members who have lost loved ones.
“It is up to the State of Israel to acknowledge these bereaved siblings and relate in some way to their sensitive situation,” Herzog said in a press release. “The time has come to establish a national process to provide assistance to these people.”
Herzog’s call comes in light of the establishment of a committee headed by retired judge Yaakov Shimoni to look into the status of bereaved brothers and sisters.
The committee will research ways to bring the plight of these siblingsto the nation’s attention, look into developing programs for them andconnecting them to the relevant government offices, as well asencouraging the organizations that deal with other members of suchbereaved families to work with them too. The committee will also lookinto drafting legislation to ensure assistance is given to the siblingson a permanent basis.
Brothers and sisters who wish to appear before the committee and sharetheir personal stories, insights and feelings are encouraged to do sovia Herzog’s office by calling Yonatan Mattalon at (02) 675-2866.