National Insurance Demands Repayment of Alternative Therapy Grants Misused by Terror Victims

Israel's National Insurance Institute recently demanded repayment of approximately 15 million shekels from thousands of terror victims who misused funds allocated for alternative medical treatments. The investigation revealed that instead of using the grants for therapies such as acupuncture, surfing therapy, therapeutic riding, and Tuina massage, some recipients spent the money on flight tickets, smartphones, clothing, and jewelry. Around 2,700 beneficiaries were found to have submitted false receipts, some of which were fabricated with the help of third parties offering to falsify documents for payment. These findings prompted the institute to send repayment demands to those involved.

The National Insurance Institute emphasized that the funds are public money intended solely for the physical and mental rehabilitation of terror victims. They condemned the misuse as a deliberate violation of the law that harms the majority of victims who comply with regulations and genuinely need these treatments. The institute also clarified that recovered funds will continue to be allocated exclusively to eligible recipients for medical purposes. This action follows the establishment of a reimbursement mechanism after the outbreak of Operation Iron Swords to ensure proper use of rehabilitation grants.