'State of Israel turned its back on me'

South Lebanon Army veteran Fuaz Najim's money ran out after he and his wife fell ill, leaving him effectively homeless. 'I never asked for favors, only what I deserved,' he says

Hagai Einav|Published: 10.25.10 , 21:08

Last May Israel marked 10 years since its army's withdrawal from Lebanon and the arrival of thousands of South Lebanon Army (SLA) veterans to the country. Meanwhile, some have returned to Lebanon or moved to Europe while others settled in Israel, where there are those who are still struggling .

Fuaz Najim, 55, an SLA veteran was forced Monday to move out of his Kiryat Shmona apartment to a tent after his landlord issued an eviction order against him for a debt amounting to tens of thousands of shekels.

Najim outside his tent. Winter ahead (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

"I have nothing against the landlord," Najim told Ynet. "He waited for a long time to get me out. I feel ashamed of the situation I'm in and the fact that the State of Israel is ignoring me. For years I operated as part of a special ASL unit for the IDF, the Shin Bet and the Mossas until the IDF withdrew from Lebanon, and even afterwards when I was called to duty. People will never know about some of the things I did.

"Unfortunately, I don't get support from the Defense Ministry, and myself and my wife's poor health condition has led us to this state."

'Never asked for favors'

Najim arrived in Israel from the village of Kalia and like his friends tried to make a life for himself in the Jewish state. "Only when I got to Israel did I marry my wife because I was always afraid to die and leave a family behind.

"My wife fell ill and I'm waiting to undergo two urgent back surgeries. Whatever money we had run out and I'm ashamed to beg for help from leaders of a country whose soldiers I fought alongside. I never asked for favors, only what I deserved. The State of Israel had turned its back on me at the moment of truth."

Together with his SLA friends Najim approached the various governmental ministries. "Minister Yossi Peled's office promised to do something and I hope it happens as soon as possible. We're facing the winter and living in a tent with all your belongings scattered outside is painful and sad."

Peled's office, which is responsible of SLA veterans said, "We are familiar with Fuaz Najim's case and there is an attempt to find a solution for the matter in coordination with all relevant governmental elements."