The National Insurance issued a notice this morning to all umbrella organizations and the Volunteer Council regarding clarifications and insurance relaxations for volunteers during the "Iron Swords" War.
"During the year, in general, and during this war that we are suffering, in particular, the National Insurance recognizes the important work that volunteers do to help others for the benefit of the community and makes sure to compensate volunteers who have been injured during or as a result of the volunteering action, for the physical or mental damage that has been caused to them due to their injury and sees to compensate them as if they were victims of a work injury. This was written in the letter sent this morning.
As known, the National Insurance insures civilian volunteers and people who saved lives, who were injured as a result of this action.
A volunteer will be considered as such if he is registered and/or referred to volunteering by a public body authorized to refer volunteers,
or by volunteer coordinators at the Ministry of Welfare and municipalities, when the volunteering has been carried out for purposes of national or public interest.
Due to the "Iron Swords" war, it was decided to facilitate the registration of volunteers, and at the moment it is not necessary to fill-out a referral form for the registration of a volunteer, the insurance cover of volunteers will take effect from the moment of pre-registration, by the volunteer coordinator of the organization or the municipality. In order to ensure treatment and insurance in case of injury, the registration must include: name, ID, start date of volunteering, mobile phone and type of volunteering. *This will allow us to rely on the certification of the organization.
In addition, currently known volunteer organizations will also be able to use retirees of the organization for its needs to help their staff manage objectives of national interest.
Volunteer activities, among others, can be considered in the following cases: educational and social care in the promotion of families, children and youth, care for the elderly, the disabled, the sick or their families, care for bereaved families, assistance to kibbutzim and agricultural establishments in terms of surveillance, fortifications, work in the agricultural sectors or training, care for soldiers and their families, assistance to the security system in fortification works, emergency warehouses, workshops or other work in IDF camps and units and police installations and units. In addition, cultural activities of volunteer artists are also included in IDF units and camps, in localities that have experienced terrorist acts, and more. You can find all the details and conditions here.
Yarona Shalom, Acting Director General of National Insurance: "The value of volunteering is extremely important and we are currently seeing a welcome surge in volunteering from the citizens of Israel. Civilians are doing everything in their power to contribute to the war effort, to help the families of the wounded, killed and those who survived hell and were evacuated from southern localities. The National Insurance watches over volunteers and, God forbid, in case of injuries – mental or physical – we offer insurance and assistance as far as possible. It is a difficult time, but as Ben Gurion said, "The State of Israel cannot be described without elevation of the mind."