Page 11 - CVC 2019 Brochure

CITIZENSHIP POLICIES
RECENT

BREAKTHROUGHS
PAPERWORK

for english speakers in isr ael
LEGAL
The year-end rush for settling matters with Arnona, the municipal tax
authority, means lots of stress and confusion for English speakers. Arnona
offers sizeable discounts for eligible residents, but accessing those
discounts is complicated. In year-end weeks, Chaim V'Chessed stands in
daily contact with city officials regarding property tax and other municipal matters
to help further the interests of English speakers. We also assisted countless English
speaking Israeli citizens in voting in the municipal elections of 2018.

When HaGihon, the Jerusalem water company, began demanding
large security deposits, in cash, from foreign citizens when they
moved into a new residence, Chaim V’Chessed protested. After
extensive correspondence and involvement, the water company completely
rescinded this draconian requirement.

The Education Ministry’s insurance program covers medical and dental ...I have had enough occasions where
treatments for school-age children. When the system was updated, it only I schlepped all the way, with all the
recognized Israeli ID numbers. Foreign citizens could no longer claim their rightful pressure of having the right documents,
coverage. Chaim V’Chessed alerted contacts in the State Comptroller’s office, and and ended up in tears because I didn’t
the issue was ultimately resolved. Similarly, the Ministry of Labor’s computerized have one small document... Keep up
application system effectively cut off visa holders from the childcare discounts they
deserved. Thanks to Chaim V’Chessed’s tireless advocacy, the Ministry created a your amazing work!
new process for non-Israeli applicants.
In November 2018, Chaim V’Chessed held a meeting with top
administrators at Bituach Leumi. We established contact with key players
and are already utilizing these relationships for the benefit of the English
speaking community. Our goal? Helping people receive their rightful benefits for FOREIGN
disability, special needs children, and other funding that was withheld or difficult
for English speakers to obtain.

Negative income tax is a relief for low-wage employees, but it was not
available to Israel’s foreign citizen tax payers - until Chaim V’Chessed lobbied
on their behalf. The issue was resolved in mid-2018, and Chaim V’Chessed has
guided hundreds of English speakers, holders of both Israeli and foreign citizenship,
on how to file for negative income tax since the matter was publicized.
1,499 1,052

LEGAL & MUNICIPAL in 2018
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
CASES CASES