Fake Student IDs Fueling Public Transport Discount Fraud in Ultra-Orthodox Sector
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
An investigation by the "Free Israel" movement has revealed an industry selling fake student IDs for public transport discounts in Israel's ultra-Orthodox sector, costing around 200-250 shekels. These fraudulent documents, facilitated by educational institutions and private brokers, allow individuals to save thousands of shekels annually on travel without attending classes. The practice has reportedly been exacerbated by recent transport reforms. While the Ministry of Transport claims to be taking measures against such abuses, activists argue that institutions receiving public funds are complicit and demand stronger action.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Fake student IDs are being sold for 200-250 shekels in Israel's ultra-Orthodox sector, enabling public transport discount fraud.
- The "Free Israel" movement uncovered an industry selling these fraudulent documents without requiring actual study.
- Recent transport reforms have reportedly made it easier to exploit these discount loopholes.
- Ultra-Orthodox educational institutions receiving millions in state funding are allegedly involved in issuing fake certificates.
- Activists criticize the continued public funding of institutions suspected of facilitating fraud.
- The Ministry of Transport states it is taking measures to prevent and address illegal discount acquisition.
A thriving industry selling fake student identification cards for public transport discounts has been uncovered within Israel's ultra-Orthodox sector, despite promises from the Ministry of Transport to close this loophole. Activists from the "Free Israel" movement revealed that for approximately 200-250 shekels, individuals can obtain fraudulent documents that grant significant annual savings on travel, without requiring actual attendance at classes. This practice, which has been ongoing for years, has reportedly become easier to exploit following the Ministry of Transport's "Transport Justice" reform, which streamlined the discount application process.
The reform expanded eligibility for certain discounts, including a 33% fare reduction for individuals aged 18-26 regardless of their student status, and additional discounts for residents of economically disadvantaged areas. The combination of a fake student profile with residential discounts can drastically reduce the cost of an annual national travel pass from thousands to just hundreds of shekels. The ability to obtain digital student profiles or other benefits directly through public transport payment apps like Rav-Kav has further simplified the exploitation of these schemes.
According to the "Free Israel" investigation, ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, registered as non-profit organizations receiving millions in state funding, are issuing student IDs and official enrollment certificates for a fee. These institutions, which receive substantial government subsidies, do not require students to attend classes or participate in academic activities. Similarly, private brokers operating on ultra-Orthodox online forums offer to link fake student profiles to Rav-Kav accounts for a fee, explicitly stating no study is involved.
Katya Volkova of "Free Israel" highlighted that two of the implicated institutions collectively receive over 20 million shekels annually in public funds, questioning the continued state financing of organizations allegedly facilitating fraud. The movement is urging the Ministry of Transport to move beyond promises and take concrete action to stop these "dubious, illegal schemes."
The Ministry of Transport stated that the National Public Transport Authority takes all attempts at illegal discount acquisition seriously and is implementing measures to prevent abuses. The authority verifies enrollment certificates and ensures educational institutions have proper recognition and permits, referring any cases of forgery or fraud to the relevant authorities.
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