Israeli red tape plagues ailing Holocaust survivor

It was the sort of news that Laura Derfler had prayed would come. Throughout the past 20 years she'd usually heard the word "no," and finally they were willing to recognize her, acknowledge that she was a Holocaust survivor and had rights to compensation. After all, at age 83, Laura needed every bit of help she could get.

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The two had lived through World War II in Romania, where they both lost family members. Laura was injured and still carries scars to this day. They emigrated to Israel together, but for some reason Alfred received compensation payments but Laura did not. Each time she applied, she was told that she was not entitled because of the year in which she emigrated. Laura never understood, particularly in view of the fact that her two brothers, who also survived the Holocaust, emigrated to Israel before her and did receive compensation payments. But over and over, she was denied recognition.

Yesterday morning, after I made a number of probes, we learned that Laura was in fact entitled to receive compensation, despite being denied all these years. It turned out the criteria had changed, but no one bothered to tell her.

All Laura had to do was fill out a few forms and the money - 290 Euros per month - would be transferred to her bank account. This is money she is owed and entitled to as a Holocaust survivor, along with other rights - like the medicine she needs for free.

At noon I called Laura's daughter, Marlena, to tell her the news. She was thrilled. She could not stop thanking me on behalf of her mother, who could not talk because she hadn't been feeling well the last few days.

At 1:55 P.M., Laura died.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-red-tape-plagues-ailing-holocaust-survivor-1.324910

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That these people would be treated with such disrespect in both the US and Israel is terrible they are the living memory of the Holocaust, once they are gone it becomes the stuff of history books and grainy black and white film

But that is what the government does....and what all governments are starting to do. This is the product of years of payments to Israel the state instead of to individuals, and it's pathetic and disheartening.

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I used to volunteer at the VA hospital --- and my Dad did pro bono Social Security "Black Lung" appeals.

Older, voiceless claimants always get screwed - ALWAYS (even in the US or the UK or Cuba)

Been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt.