Oren asks Knesset for real estate tax exemption for lone soldiers
"I have worked, and I will continue to work, for benefits for lone soldiers, because I made aliya and served as a lone soldier, so I know the difficulties they endure."
By GIL HOFFMANUpdated: JULY 15, 2018 02:52Michael Oren, former ambassador to the US, speaking infront of Christians United for Israel. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Lone soldiers, who serve in the IDF when their parents are abroad, will be exempt from municipal tax (arnona), if a bill passes into law.The bill was proposed by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Michael Oren (Kulanu), who heads the Knesset Caucus for lone soldiers. Born in the United States, Oren himself was a lone solder from 1979 to 1982, before becoming a historian, ambassador, and politician.“I have worked, and I will continue to work, for benefits for lone soldiers, because I made aliya and served as a lone soldier, so I know the difficulties they endure,” he said.Oren promised to soon propose bills exempting lone soldiers from electricity and water bills, and extending special benefits to those who get married while serving in the IDF.Oren, who was born in New York and raised in New Jersey, is one of two American immigrants in the Knesset, along with Yehudah Glick (Likud). Both MKs have renounced their US citizenship since Israeli law prohibits international representatives and members of Knesset from holding dual nationality.
