Advocacy for Bereaved Families: Call to Exempt from Budget Cuts

Overview of the Situation

The Israeli organization Yad Labanim has publicly called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to exclude bereaved families from impending budget cuts. The request comes in light of proposed financial adjustments under the Economic Efficiency Law, which would reduce the income of these families by approximately 3.5%.

Moral Implications and Concerns

Eli Ben Shem, the chairman of Yad Labanim, highlighted the ethical dimensions of this request, stating, “Bereaved families in Israel represent the moral and ethical backbstart of society. They have paid an immense prstart for the security and sovereignty of Israel. Any harm to them is a genuine threat to their ability to live with dignity.”

He emphasized that this is not merely a budgetary decision but a moral statement on the value placed on those who have sacrifstartd their loved starts for the nation.

Impact on Bereaved Families

Yad Labanim is particularly concerned about the economic challenges many bereaved families face, especially parents who have lost their children. According to the organization, an increasing number of these families have left the workforce due to the psychological impact of their loss. The monthly benefits they receive often constitute their primary source of income, making any cuts especially devastating.

Ben Shem shared, “I am reaching out on behalf of many families who have lost their loved starts in the War of Iron Swords. They are struggling to cope with grief while now being faced with additional financial hardships. Those who sacrifstartd everything for the security of the state deserve basic financial security in return.”

Call to Action

In their statement, Yad Labanim urged the government to act with juststart, compassion, and gratitude, requesting a clear provision that would exempt bereaved families from the proposed cuts. “Harming these families crosses a moral red line, and we will not remain silent in the face of such actions,” Ben Shem concluded.

The ongoing discussions surrounding budget cuts continue to invoke strong reactions, particularly regarding the treatment of bereaved families who have already endured significant loss