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And Israel, 28% of the population lives below the poverty line, an alarming figure confirmed by Barak (12/17/2024). This increasing rate places Israel among the OECD countries with the highest levels of poverty. THE large familiesparticularly from communities ultra-orthodox (Haredim) and Israeli Arabs are the most affected by this scourge. Statistics show that almost 45% of ultra-Orthodox children live below the poverty line, while in Arab localities, insufficient infrastructure and lack of economic opportunities exacerbate this situation.
The figures revealed by Go home (12/17/2024) also indicate persistent inequality in the distribution of wealth. The gap between the wealthy classes, concentrated in large urban centers like Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, and peripheral regions remains considerable. Furthermore, the recent economic crisis, marked by rising inflation and real estate costsfurther aggravates the difficulties of low-income households.
The most vulnerable populations: Haredim and Israeli Arabs
The ultra-orthodox community is particularly vulnerable to poverty due to its specific demographics and economic choices. As pointed out Yated Neeman (12/17/2024), many haredi families have more than six children and are mainly based on modest incomes or social assistance. Men often favor religious studies to the detriment of stable employment, which limits their integration into the labor market.
However, Go home (12/17/2024) recalls that more and more ultra-Orthodox women are joining the professional world, particularly in sectors such as teaching and administration. However, their activity rate remains lower than that of secular Israeli women. The current educational reform, aimed at introducing general subjects in haredi schools, is seen by some as a solution to promote better professional integration for younger generations.
On the side of Israeli Arabsinequalities are structural. Barak (17/12/2024) underlines a chronic lack of infrastructure in Arab localities, where schools, hospitals and public services are often underfunded. Unemployment rates are also higher there, particularly among young graduates. Initiatives to promote vocational training and the skilled jobs were launched by the government, but their impact remains limited given the scale of the needs.
The role of public policies: insufficient effort
Social assistance programs in Israel, although existing, do not succeed in eradicating structural poverty. According to Hahaderech (17/12/2024), subsidies intended for large families and disadvantaged populations represent a significant part of the national budgetbut they are not enough to sustainably improve the economic situation of the households concerned. Critics also point to a lack of structural policies aimed at addressing the root causes of inequalities, such as lack of access to quality education or job insecurity.
Maariv (17/12/2024) reports that recent reforms, such as specific aid for social housing or subsidies for young couples, have not made it possible to bridge the gap between peripheral regions and large metropolises. Investment in infrastructure in Arab localities and ultra-Orthodox cities remains insufficient according to the experts interviewed.
Associations and civil society on the front line
Faced with shortcomings in public policies, charities play a crucial role in fighting poverty in Israel. According to Go home (12/17/2024), organizations like It is hidden et Yad Eliezer provide food assistance, clothing and education programs to the most deprived families. The distribution of food packages, particularly in the run-up to holidays like Hanukkah, demonstrates the social solidarity that prevails in communities affected by poverty.
Moreover, Yated Neeman (12/17/2024) highlights the impact of NGOs specializing in educationwho work to offer training to young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods. These programs aim to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by opening up professional prospects.
Structural solutions for the future
To sustainably address social inequalities in Israel, structural solutions are essential. Barak(12/17/2024) mentions several expert recommendations, such as:
- L’infrastructure improvement in Arab and peripheral localities.
- The reform of the education system to promote the teaching of practical subjects in ultra-Orthodox schools.
- Incentive policies to encouragefemale employment in haredi communities.
- The development of professional training programs for young people in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare and construction.
Finally, a better coordination between the state and civil society is considered necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of existing programs and ensure that aid really reaches the populations who need it most.
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