Tender of Israel's Ministry of Social Welfare won by mother of former ministry official

A tender worth 61 million shekels from the Ministry of Social Welfare for a homeless shelter was won by a company owned by the mother of the former deputy director general of the ministry, who participated in preparing the tender. The victory was canceled seven months after legal action by the losing company, but a new tender has not been announced, and the previous winner can participate.

A tender from Israel's Ministry of Social Welfare for managing a homeless center in the Tel Aviv district, worth 61 million shekels, was won by the company "M.Sh. Shiluvim ba-kehila," owned by Miri Sair, the mother of Dr. Rotem Efodi. Until May 2023, Efodi was the deputy director general of the ministry and headed the department responsible for this tender, participating in its preparation. The winner was selected despite the tender committee members knowing about the family relationship. The company "Ben-Yair ha-Sharon," which had managed the center for 20 years, contested the results through attorney Ofir Gantz. The committee canceled the tender, citing "concern that the principle of equality and public trust have been undermined." However, a new tender has not been announced, and "Shiluvim" can participate in it. The Ministry of Social Welfare stated that there was no conflict of interest, but the tender was canceled due to a strict approach.