Shas Party's Future MK Accused of Misusing Millions Meant for War Victims' Families

An investigative report by "Weekend News" has uncovered allegations of financial impropriety surrounding Dror Amos, a reserve major and future Member of Knesset for the Shas party. Amos, who heads the religious council in Haifa, allegedly leveraged his association with the Shas party and public funds to benefit his non-profit organization, "Chessed Chaim V'Emet" (Kindness, Life, and Truth).

The investigation reveals that the Ministry of Religious Services, under Shas's purview, allocated NIS 2 million for a joint project with Amos's organization to support families of fallen soldiers and evacuees from the Gaza envelope communities. However, numerous families and community representatives from kibbutzim like Nir Oz, Kfar Aza, and the Nova festival attendees stated they had no knowledge of the organization or its services. Evidence suggests that a significant portion of the funds, over NIS 2.5 million, was allocated for scholarships for yeshiva students (avrechim), rather than direct support for bereaved families.

Further scrutiny revealed discrepancies in financial reporting between Amos's organization and "Achim La'Oref" (Brothers for the Homefront), another organization that reportedly provided substantial funding. While "Chessed Chaim V'Emet" reported receiving NIS 1.3 million from "Achim La'Oref," the latter reported transferring NIS 2.6 million. The organization also allegedly received double funding from various religious councils and municipalities linked to Shas for the same services, raising concerns about potential misuse of public funds.

Amos's appointment as head of the Haifa Religious Council, despite living 240 kilometers away in Yerucham, also drew criticism from the Ministry's legal advisor, who noted a potential conflict of interest due to his political ties. While Amos eventually stepped down from the non-profit's leadership before his appointment, his brother took over, and other relatives and associates were reportedly employed by the organization. The report also highlights that the registered office of "Chessed Chaim V'Emet" is a private villa belonging to the Amos family, where other private companies linked to the brothers are also located.

Shas has dismissed the report as a "false investigation" aimed at harming the party, while the Ministry of Religious Services stated that Amos's predecessors also lived far from Haifa and that his conflict of interest arrangements were approved. Other organizations mentioned in the report provided explanations for their dealings with Amos's non-profit, including winning tenders and the nature of the services provided.