Bereaved Israeli Mother and Daughter Fight Insurance Denial Over Mortgage After Terror Attack and Suicide

Anna Bungart and her daughter Avlina from Karmiel are struggling to keep their home after losing family members in tragic circumstances. Their eldest daughter, Sophia, was killed in the October 7 terror attack near Be'eri, where she and her friend Liraz Nissan hid in a bomb shelter before being shot. Months later, in February, Anna's husband Vladislav, overwhelmed by grief and guilt over not being able to save Sophia, took his own life.

Now, Anna and Avlina face a financial battle as insurance companies refuse to cover the remaining mortgage balance of approximately 370,000 shekels. The family had a continuous mortgage insurance policy since 2017, but shortly before Vladislav's death, they switched to a new insurer, Menora, which imposed a one-year waiting period for suicide coverage. Menora rejected the claim citing this clause, while the previous insurer said the policy was canceled. Menora offered a partial payment of 50,000 shekels but denied full coverage, citing standard life insurance terms in Israel.

Anna, who immigrated from Ukraine in 2006 with her husband, describes the home as more than an asset but the family's security and stability. Their lawyer, Maya Itkin from the Ministry of Justice's legal aid, has been handling the case since November 2023 but reports a bureaucratic dead end despite appeals to insurance regulators and government committees. Anna emphasizes she is not seeking special treatment but compassion, hoping to avoid fighting alone after such profound loss.

The family has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help pay off the mortgage, fund essential mental health treatments, and secure a safe home for Anna and Avlina. The campaign organizers express their wish to ease the financial burden so the family can begin rebuilding their lives. Anna's heartfelt plea calls on the public and decision-makers to show empathy and help her focus on raising her daughter despite the devastating losses.