Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has signed an order that will increase payments for those left with permanent injuries due to war or to the Holocaust. Steinitz turned to the Knesset Finance Committee with a request to approve the increase in aid immediately, in honor of the upcoming holidays in the Hebrew month of Tishrei.
The proposed aid hike would go into effect retroactively as well, giving aid recipients the difference between the new monthly payments and the payments they received since October 2009.
“Increasing payments before the holidays will make it easier for Holocaust survivors to deal with the extra costs incurred during the holidays,” Steinitz explained. The Finance Ministry “would like to wish Holocaust survivors and those left handicapped by war happy holidays and a good new year,” he added.
The increase will come out to 750-1,300 shekels per aid recipient.
During the month of Tishrei, Jews celebrate Rosh HaShanah, the anniversary of the creation of man and the day on which all people and nations face divine judgment; Yom Kippur, a fast day on which the judgment is sealed; Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles; and Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, on which Jews celebrate the completion of the yearly Torah cycle.
Extra costs incurred during this period include food, clothing, building a Sukkah, the Four Species, and more.