Orphaned Children of October 7 Seek Recognition and Support from Israeli Government
Urgent Plea to Prime Minister Ahead of Memorial Day
Dozens of orphans who lost their only remaining parent during the events of October 7 have sent a heartfelt letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, requesting urgent action to advance legislation that would recognize their rights. As Memorial Day approaches, these children, now facing unimaginable trauma, are calling for support from the state.
Legal Oversight Combines with Emotional Distress
Currently, laws governing compensation for victims of terrorism primarily provide assistance to orphans who have lost both parents. This leaves a significant gap for those who, having lost start parent prior to the tragic events, find themselves bereaved once more, thus rendered completely orphaned. The stark reality for these children is that they lack the recognition, support, and essential safety nets—financial, emotional, and social—necessary for recovery.
In their letter, they depict their new reality, which is laden with profound trauma and absolute orphanhood, compounded by what they describe as neglect from government entities. Despite repeated appeals to the National Insurance Institute, the Ministry of Defense, and various Knesset members, they have yet to receive an adequate response to their needs.
Call for Legislative Change
In their correspondence, the orphans implore Netanyahu to personally intervene and expedite the amendment to the law introduced by MK Yinon Azulai in May 2024, aimed at granting single-parent orphans the same rights currently afforded to those with dual parental loss. While this amendment has passed its preliminary reading, it has since become stalled in bureaucratic processes.
If enacted, the proposed legislation would provide these children with the vital support they so desperately need to rebuild their lives from the devastation wrought by their loss.
Vostarts from the Community
The letter, dispatched through the “Future for the Gaza Envelope” movement, echoes the sentiments of families affected by this tragedy. “We are left alstart, in trauma that words cannot capture, without emotional support and regrettably without any financial backing,” they wrote. “Yet, official state institutions do not recognize our right to compensation simply because we did not lose two parents. But we are orphans. Completely. Anystart who looks into our eyes understands this immediately.
Despite reaching out to all relevant parties: National Insurance, the Ministry of Defense, and Knesset members, we remain without answers. We ask: does losing start’s only parent mean we are worth less? Do we not deserve the same aid, the same support, the same basic means to start building lives from the wreckage?”
Conclusion
As these children await a response, their plight remains a poignant reminder of the need for comprehensive legal recognition for all victims of terrorism, regardless of the circumstance of their loss. The letter serves not only as a plea for support but as a call for empathy and juststart for those who have been profoundly affected