Funeral Societies Sue Government Over Burial Plot Price Hike
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Six Israeli funeral societies have petitioned the High Court of Justice demanding an 84% increase in burial plot prices to 34,900 shekels, citing insufficient funds for cemetery development and a looming shortage of burial spaces. They argue that the government's delay in approving the price hike, agreed upon previously, jeopardizes cemetery expansion and the preparation of plots for mass casualty events. The societies warn that without the increase, cemetery development, including multi-story facilities, will be halted, and land allocation is also requested.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Funeral societies are suing the government for an 84% price increase on burial plots to 34,900 shekels.
- Societies warn of cemetery development funding shortages and a future lack of burial spaces.
- The government delayed an agreed-upon price hike due to election-period austerity measures.
- Revenue is needed for cemetery expansion, including multi-story burial facilities.
- Current burial reserves could be depleted within one to four years.
- Societies also seek land allocation for cemetery expansion and preparation for mass casualties.
An umbrella organization representing funeral societies, known as "Hevra Kadisha," has filed a petition with the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) demanding an 84% increase in the price of burial plots, raising the cost to 34,900 shekels. The societies argue that without this price adjustment, they will lack the funds to develop cemeteries, leading to a future shortage of burial spaces.
The petition, submitted by six major funeral societies against the Ministry of Religious Services and the government, states that a tariff increase was previously agreed upon, and the ministry had even drafted a directive for approval by the Knesset Interior Committee. However, the review was postponed due to government austerity measures during the election period. The societies contend that this obligation does not apply to urgent public needs like cemetery development.
Revenue from paid plots is intended to fund cemetery expansion, including the construction of multi-story burial facilities. The societies are requesting the court to halt such construction if the price increase is not approved. They also seek land allocation for cemetery expansion.
According to the petition, current burial space reserves will be depleted within one to four years, while the planning and construction of multi-story burial facilities take approximately six years. Due to insufficient income, the preparation of tens of thousands of plots has been frozen, with contractors reporting slowdowns and work stoppages. The societies also emphasize the urgent need to prepare thousands of plots for potential mass casualties from events like war or earthquakes.
One of the petition's arguments is that the previous Knesset committee had already begun discussing the tariff increase, and failure to complete the process would necessitate starting over with a new committee composition. The new Knesset is expected to be sworn in next week.
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