Holocaust reparations bill passes initial reading

By SHEERA CLAIRE FRENKEL
The Knesset passed a preliminary vote on a bill granting special reparations to Holocaust survivors who arrived in Israel after 1953. Until now, the law had prevented them from receiving certain funds which survivors who arrived prior to that date received. The bill was presented by MK Yuri Stern (National Union) who personally approached dozens of MKs and urged them to vote. The bill received 66 votes in favor. Because the bill allocated monetary funds, it needed at least 51 votes to pass. Since the bill has been given a "continuation" status by Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, it will therefore be passed along to the 17th Knesset for a second and third reading.