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November 8, 2002
Be aware of pension law
Letters
Editor: In times of crisis, North American Jews have always answered
Israel's call for help. In 1948, 1967 and 1973, many thousands volunteered
to fight or work in Israel. Tens of thousands made financial contributions.
These days, however, Israel emissaries have problems recruiting
volunteers even for tourist programs. There prevails a perception
in the Jewish community that the risks are too great and there is
too much to lose. Media like CNN have made people savvier about
conditions overseas, unlike in 1973 when knowledge of Israel was
rudimentary and emissaries could present a rosy picture of work,
war and living conditions.
Furthermore the partnership between Israelis and Diaspora Jews is
becoming more of a one-way street. Once in Israel, Israelis often
take us for granted. Gratitude is perceived as weakness. Some volunteer
veterans injured in the 1948 War, for example, have never received
compensation for their injuries. There is, therefore, a perception,
that if, God forbid, somebody were killed, injured or traumatized
in a terrorist attack or war zone, Israelis would give victims and
families short shrift. In fact, Israel and England are the only
nations in the world that have no reciprocal pension treaty with
the United States and Canada. Israelis injured working in North
America can claim pensions from our governments, but not vice versa.
This imbalance must be redressed.
By the law of Israel (and every democracy), a civilian, Israeli
or foreigner, tourist or worker, is entitled to a pension in the
event of injury as a result of hostile action. Diaspora Jews must
become more aware of this Victims of Hostile Action (Pensions) Law
(1970). And we must insist that Israelis obey it.
Lawrence Chanin
Victoria
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