Jerusalem—Israel Finance Minister Yair Lapid’s first directive in office ordered the immediate transfer of 50 million shekels (about $13.6 million) to the Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel.

According to a number of Israeli newspapers, Lapid informed Ronnie Kalinsky, the foundation’s director-general, that he had ordered the Finance Ministry’s professional departments to increase the budgets appropriated for the foundation in 2013.

The Foundation for the Benefit of Holocaust Victims in Israel is state-funded. The additional budget is supposed subsidize home care for Holocaust survivors in need.
According to a statement by the Finance Ministry, the move was part of the agreements detailed in the coalition deal struck with Yesh Atid, which Lapid chairs.
One week later, during the Days of Remembrance, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would approve the deal. Netanyahu also said he will make certain that those who attack Holocaust survivors are punished, and added “we are committed to the welfare and security of the Holocaust survivors and the elderly.”