Shas Candidate Refutes Channel 12 Report, Claims 'Double Funding' Allegations False
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Shas party candidate Dr. Dror Amos has publicly refuted a Channel 12 investigative report that accused his organization, "Chessed Chaim Ve'Emet," of financial impropriety and lack of recognition. Amos presented evidence, including official letters and testimonies, to counter claims of personal profit and double funding, stating his work has always been voluntary. He also highlighted that Channel 12 anchor Ofer Haddad, who criticized the organization, had previously been paid to host its tribute ceremony. Amos vows to continue his public service.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas candidate Dr. Dror Amos denied Channel 12's report alleging financial impropriety in his organization.
- Amos presented evidence refuting claims of personal profit and 'double funding' from government ministries.
- He revealed Channel 12 anchor Ofer Haddad was paid 19,000 shekels to host the organization's tribute event.
- Documents show "Chessed Chaim Ve'Emet" provided support to families from Kfar Aza and Be'eri.
- Bereaved families testified to the significant support they received from Amos's organization.
Dr. Dror Amos, a candidate for the Shas party and founder of the "Chessed Chaim Ve'Emet" (Kindness, Life, and Truth) organization, has publicly refuted allegations made against him in a Channel 12 investigative report. Amos, who recently joined Shas after a 25-year military career and serving as chairman of the Religious Council in Haifa, claims the report by Omri Maniv is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and the work of his organization.
Amos stated in an interview with Channel 14 that his organization, established in 2008 following the death of a soldier under his command, was created to provide civilian support to bereaved families. He denies claims that it was formed recently in response to the October 7th attacks, asserting that he never drew a salary, used organizational funds for personal expenses, or took a vehicle funded by the NGO. He also stated he invested personal funds into the organization out of a sense of mission.
A significant point of contention is the alleged hypocrisy of Channel 12 news anchor Ofer Haddad. Amos revealed that Haddad recently hosted the "Chessed Chaim Ve'Emet" organization's main tribute ceremony for hundreds of bereaved families, for which he was paid approximately 19,000 shekels. During the event, Haddad reportedly praised the organization and its volunteers, a stark contrast to his critical stance in the subsequent investigative report.
The report also questioned the organization's recognition by communities like Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Hostages Families Forum. However, Amos presented official documents, including a letter from the Kibbutz Movement dated October 15, 2023, requesting assistance for over 50 Kfar Aza families at a hotel in Shefayim. Further documentation shows a similar request for evacuees from Be'eri a week later, alongside testimonies from families of victims expressing gratitude for the organization's support.
Amos also addressed claims of "double funding" from the Ministry of Religious Services, presenting a letter indicating no funds were transferred for the initial handling of October 7th victims. He explained that early activities were funded by private donations and the Ministry of the Negev and Galilee, with the official engagement with the Ministry of Religious Services beginning a year later, focusing solely on civilian bereavement support. He further clarified that stipends for scholars were for dedicated field activists who provided extensive support to bereaved families.
Several bereaved family members have come forward to testify about the support they received from Amos and his organization. Despite the controversy, Amos expressed his commitment to continuing his public service, stating, "In the name of God, we will do and succeed, and together we will win."