IDF veterans join campaign for higher disability benefits

Wheelchair-bound protesters block major coastal road, after counter-demonstration held in favor of Finance Ministry deal

Disabled IDF veterans on Sunday took part for the first time in a long-running public campaign for better disability benefits, helping to block the main coastal highway running south near the city of Netanya.

Polio victims also joined the demonstration for the first time.

Yehuda Doron, who chairs an organization representing polio victims, said, “We are intensifying the struggle in the run-up to the opening of the Knesset winter session. On October 23, we will demonstrate in front of the Knesset building. Our goal is to create pressure on the roads so that the public will identify with us. I call upon the entire public to join and support us.”

In September, Finance Ministry officials and disabled rights activists agreed on a compromise deal that would see disability benefits raised to up to NIS 4,500 ($1,270) a month.

However, one group, the Panthers, has rejected the agreement and is still fighting to bring benefits up to NIS 5,000 ($1,430) — on par with the minimum wage. Members have continued to block roads and intersections all over the country in recent weeks.