National Insurance demands Sderot residents reimburse Oct. 7 aid funds over 'unlawful' purchases

Residents of Sderot who received aid after the October 7 massacre are now being asked by the National Insurance Institute (NII) to repay the funds. The NII claims the money, intended for rehabilitation and treatments, was used for "prohibited purchases" such as airline tickets and mobile phones.

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The National Insurance Institute contacted approximately 2,700 victims of terrorism and requested financial reimbursement for the purchase of airline tickets, smartphones, portable speakers, and similar items using money designated for alternative treatments, totaling approximately NIS 15 million.

Sderot Regional Council member Eliran Gerbi revealed that dozens of residents have been ordered to repay the money, leaving them "devastated and do not know what to do." The NII stated it contacted approximately 2,700 victims of terrorism, requesting reimbursement for items like smartphones and portable speakers, totaling about NIS 15 million.

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At the beginning of the war, as part of the immediate assistance provided and before disability percentages were determined, the National Insurance Institute reimbursed alternative treatments intended for rehabilitation, including acupuncture, surfing, therapeutic horseback riding, tui na, and other treatments.

The institute emphasized that eligible complementary treatments were listed on its website and in claim forms signed by recipients. It also reported identifying criminal actors who approached victims, offering to falsify receipts for payment. The NII stated that out of 86,000 recognized victims of terrorism, about 2,700 submitted improper receipts.

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The complementary treatments eligible for reimbursement appeared on a defined list published on its website and in the claim form submitted and signed by each recipient.