State Comptroller and Ombudsman Matanyahu Engelman hosted in his office today (February 1, 2024) the students of the "Ma'ase Bagalil" preparatory program evacuated from Kiryat Shemona. In his remarks, he also referred to the comprehensive audit that the Office has begun in all bodies. The Comptroller stressed that "the State of Israel is committed to all reservists and their families, especially students and small business owners".
He said: "In recent weeks, we have initiated a comprehensive audit process of government ministries and public bodies, including the treatment of reserve soldiers and, specifically, the institutions' handling of higher-education students serving in the reserves.
We are examining the relief plans for reserve-duty students and evaluating their implementation in institutions of higher education. This includes initiatives such as offering a tuition-free summer semester, educational accommodations, and financial aid.
The prolongation of the war poses financial difficulties for reservists and their families. We shall examine whether the state is working to reduce bureaucratic barriers in the payment of reserve benefits and compensation for lost wages, whether the payments arrive on time, and what assistance is given to reserve personnel working part-time.
The audit will also examine the provision of the promised economic assistance to small businesses since the outbreak of the war, with an emphasis on businesses owned by reservists and the spouses of reservists, and assess measures taken to mitigate the impact on employers.
As I noted, the audit that has begun will be thorough and incisive and will be conducted at all levels: political, military, and civilian – to provide a comprehensive response to the pressing questions of Israel's citizens since the October 7th massacre".