The Principle
Individuals recognized as victims of hostile acts (terror attacks) are entitled to comprehensive support from the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). This support includes financial payments, medical care, rehabilitation, and various benefits designed to help cope with the consequences of physical or psychological trauma.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for this status and assistance is granted to individuals who meet the primary criteria. You must verify the exact conditions on the official Bituach Leumi website.
- Residents of Israel (citizens or residence permit holders) who were injured within the territory of Israel or, in certain cases, abroad.
- Individuals who sustained a direct physical or mental injury as a result of an event officially recognized by the state as a "hostile act."
- In the event of a person's death, the right to benefits is transferred to their family members (spouse, children, parents).
Who is NOT eligible (common cases):
- Individuals injured as a result of a criminal incident not classified as a terror attack.
- Individuals whose injury does not have a direct and medically proven connection to the hostile act.
Your Rights
The scope and nature of the assistance depend on the degree of injury, as determined by a Bituach Leumi medical committee. The primary types of rights include:
- One-time payments and grants: Financial assistance immediately following the injury.
- Monthly disability pension: Regular payments, the amount of which depends on the determined disability percentage.
- Full funding for medical treatment: Coverage for all expenses related to the treatment of the injury.
- Psychological and psychiatric assistance: Funding for therapy sessions for the victim and their family.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Assistance with retraining or adapting to a new profession if the injury prevents continued work in the previous field.
- Benefits: Discounts on municipal tax (arnona), assistance with housing rental, tax reliefs, and others.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Immediate Actions: First, seek medical attention (Magen David Adom, hospital emergency room). Ensure the event is documented by the police or security forces.
- Filing a Claim with Bituach Leumi: You must complete and submit a special claim form for recognition as a victim of hostile acts. This can be done online via the Bituach Leumi website, by mail, or at your local branch. This must be done as soon as possible.
- Gathering Medical Documents: Attach all available medical reports, hospital discharge summaries, and certificates confirming the injury and its connection to the terror attack.
- Medical Committee (Va'ada Refuit): After your recognition as a victim, you will be summoned to a medical committee to determine your disability percentage. You must prepare thoroughly for this committee and bring all relevant and up-to-date medical documents.
- Receiving the Decision and Payments: Based on the committee's decision, Bituach Leumi will determine the amount and type of payments and benefits you are entitled to.
List of Documents
Assemble a complete set of documents to avoid delays. The exact list may vary; verify it on the Bituach Leumi website.
- Identity card (Teudat Zehut).
- Claim form for recognition of injury from hostile acts (verify the exact form name on the website).
- All initial medical documents from the hospital or clinic.
- A police report or other official document confirming the circumstances of the incident.
- Bank account details for the transfer of payments (a bank printout or a voided check).
Pitfalls
- Filing Deadlines: There is a limited period for submitting a claim, typically 12 months from the date of the incident. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the loss of rights.
- Documentation is Key: Meticulously collect and keep copies of all medical certificates. The connection between the injury and the terror attack must be evident from the documents.
- Psychological Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is grounds for receiving a disability rating. Do not neglect to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist and insist on the documentation of your condition.
- Right to Appeal: If you disagree with the decision of the medical committee, you have the right to file an appeal within the specified timeframes.
Contacts and Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the primary source.
- Official Website: Search on Google for "Bituach Leumi victims of hostile acts" (ביטוח לאומי נפגעי פעולות איבה).
- Bituach Leumi Call Center:
*6050 - Department for Victims of Hostile Acts: Each Bituach Leumi branch has a special department that handles this matter.
Dictionary
- Bituach Leumi (בִּיטוּחַ לְאוּמִי): The National Insurance Institute.
- Nifga pe'ulot eiva (נִפְגַּע פְּעוּלוֹת אֵיבָה): A victim of hostile acts.
- Va'ada Refuit (וַעֲדָה רְפוּאִית): Medical committee.
- Kitzba (קִצְבָּה): A benefit, pension, or allowance.
- Ahuzei nechut (אֲחוּזֵי נָכוּת): Disability percentage.
- Pitzui (פִּיצוּי): Compensation, indemnity.