On April 30, 2025, Rana reached out via WhatsApp to MAANs Razan Mushahra and was invited to the office for assistance. Razan registered Rana in the National Insurance Institute’s (NII) online system and discovered that several letters had been sent to her, but she never received them.
Because Rana, like most residents of East Jerusalem, is a permanent resident rather than an Israeli citizen, the NII required proof that her “center of life” is in Jerusalem and not in the Palestinian Authority area, before approving her entitlements. This demand is a well-known and frustrating obstacle faced by many permanent residents of East Jerusalem when seeking basic services from the National Insurance Institute.
The process involves bureaucratic and digital barriers, especially for women navigating maternity or welfare claims. MAANs Razan Mushahra guided Rana through the difficult process of collecting the numerous necessary documents, and on May 5, 2025, submitted five different documents to the NII.
On May 18, 2025, Rana received a birth grant of 1,986 NIS and a retroactive child allowance of 2,737 NIS gross for one year.
She said: “I thought the payments from National Insurance would come automatically, like they’re supposed to. When nothing arrived, I felt confused and helpless — I didn’t know where to turn. Thanks to MAAN’s help, I not only received what I was entitled to, but I also learned how to stand up for my rights. I hope other women hear my story and don’t give up.”
MAANs Razan Mushahra said: “Rana’s case is one of many. East Jerusalem residents often face hidden barriers that delay or deny them access to basic rights. By helping individuals like Rana, and by sharing their stories, we are creating change — both at the personal level and in the system.”
