An Israeli woman has been arrested after police alleged she hid the death of her 93-year-old mother in order to continue receiving financial benefits. Authorities say the elderly woman, a Holocaust survivor, was buried in the backyard of the home while payments in her name continued to be collected.
Police said the suspect worked together with her partner to conceal the death. Investigators believe the partner stored the body in an ice cream freezer before it was later buried. The pair allegedly continued to receive about 18,000 shekels per month through survivor and social security benefits.
The case was uncovered during an investigation into suspicious activity related to the payments. After the arrests, the woman’s partner died by suicide while in detention. Police indicated he had realized authorities had discovered his role in hiding the body.
Officials are awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the woman died of natural causes or if other factors were involved, and the findings are expected to guide further legal action.
The case has sparked public concern about oversight of benefit systems and the potential for fraud. It has also drawn attention due to the victim’s status as a Holocaust survivor, leading to calls for stronger protections for elderly recipients.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the autopsy. More details are expected as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
