Expansion of Assistance for Public Housing Residents Whose Family Members Were Harmed in Attacks on Oct. 7 Approved

By Aryeh Stern

Earlier this week, the Knesset’s Interior Committee deliberated on a bill that would define special assistance for public housing residents whose family members were killed, abducted, or missing in attacks on surrounding communities. According to the committee chairman, MK Rabbi Yaakov Asher, the assistance will extend not only to those whose loved ones were affected during the initial attack, but throughout the duration of the war.

The purpose of the proposed law, formulated by the Ministry of Housing, is to enable family members of those killed as a result of enemy actions or war events that occurred on Oct. 7 to continue residing in public housing under specific conditions.

The proposed law aims to ease the burden on families affected by acts of terror, allowing them a period of organization and recovery without the fear of losing their public housing during this challenging time. The entitlement, according to the proposed law, will be granted to family members who are close relatives of the eligible individual residing in public housing, and the eligible individual has either passed away or moved to a care facility.

As per the law, the entitlement to continue residing in public housing will be granted for up to six years, subject to regulations set by the Ministry of Housing and considering the social, economic, or medical situation of the applicant.

During the discussion, Rabbi Asher emphasized the need to expand the proposed law to apply to anyone whose family member was killed during any period of armed conflict. He stated, “It is not about a financial benefit but rather a right granted to the family so that they do not have to cope with eviction orders from public housing during this difficult period they are going through.”

The Housing Ministry argued during the session that a distinction should be made between those affected during the initial attack in early October and the casualties that occurred later, which are more akin to individuals killed in any military operation or enemy action. The Justice Ministry noted that the broader the benefit, the greater the impact on those waiting for public housing due to the existing shortage of available units.

Following the discussion, the committee held talks with Housing Minister Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf, and as a result, Rabbi Goldknopf announced that he accepts MK Rabbi Asher’s request, and the benefits will be extended to all those whose loved ones were affected throughout the entire duration of the war.