Holocaust survivors accuse State of stealing their welfare funds

Survivors promised $7.7 million in 2007, but records show they received only half that amount. Government offices vow they transferred full amount to Finance Ministry, which says survivors were only slated to receive $3.8 million
The Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel welcomed the government's pledge in 2006 to allocate an additional $7.7 million for Holocaust victims the following year. Two separate bodies were to contribute the much-needed funds, with the Prime Minister's Office and Yisrael Beitenu party each slated to give half the final amount.

But Ynet has learned that throughout the course of 2007 – only one payment of $3.8 million was received.

The funds were used mainly to cover medical expenses for thousands of needy Holocaust survivors living in Israel, said officials at the foundation, adding that with the full amount some 5,000 more requests for aid could have been authorized.

But both the PMO and Yisrael Beitenu claim they transferred the entire amount they had pledged to the Finance Ministry during 2007.

'It's a ruse to swindle Holocaust survivors'

Foundation Director Dubby Arbel told Ynet that his organization has no intention of settling for half the amount it was promised. "$3.8 million do not just vanish into thin air. Not only is the government trying to throw sand in the eyes of the Holocaust victims, it is committing a grave violation of trust and the foundation will keep fighting to make sure that the funds meant for the survivors will reach their intended destination. It is shameful that this sort of ruse would be employed against Holocaust survivors," he said. Ynet