State extends IDF benefits to families of Carmel firefighters
Netanyahu says decision based on fact that firemen perished while trying to save Prison Service cadets from burning bus
The government decided on Sunday to award financial compensation to the families of the firefighters who were killed during the Carmel inferno. According to the decision, the families will be granted financial rights similar to those received by families of fallen IDF soldiers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the decision was reached in light of the fact that the firefighters had worked to save the lives of Prison Service cadets whose bus caught fire while they were on their way to help in the evacuation of a prison.
The families of firefighters Uri Semendayev and Danny Hayat, Fire Service volunteer Elad Riven, and of bus driver David Navon, will be recognized as bereaved families according to the 1950 Families of Fallen Soldiers Law, according to the decision.
The 37 cadets and three police officers who perished in the blaze are considered members of the security forces, and therefore their families are entitled to the same financial privileges.
During Sunday's cabinet meeting, Netanyahu expressed his sadness over the death of firefighter Hayat, the 44th casualty of the Carmel disaster, who was critically injured in the fire and died of his wounds Saturday night.
"Danny fought for his life bravely for two weeks, just as he fought the fire bravely in a heroic attempt to save the prison guards' bus. The government's heart and that of the Israeli people is with the Hayat family," said the PM.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
