israel Green charity

What will we be remembered for?

Posted by admin under World Poverty

I just watched this short clip from Bono on world poverty. I thank G-d that the situation here in Israel is not even close to the scenes shown from Africa. The point though that he makes is central to dealing with every social ailment. Poverty as we know however is a predictor of much that ails Israeli society, from road safety to poor health and organized crime, and yes even terror. His point is

What will our generation be remembered for, the internet, yes. The war on terror, yes. Lets be remembered as well for wiping out poverty.

Here’s the clip:

Start Saving!

Posted by admin under Disposable Income, Poverty in Israel

Bank Leumi president, Galia Maor, has given some clear instructions to the Israeli public.  Here’s part of what she said, which I agree with 100%:

“The importance and necessity of a high level of long-term savings is clear to all of us, both at the macroeconomic level and at the level of individuals. But long-term savers have suffered heavy losses in recent months because of the drop in the capital markets. A glance at provident fund figures shows an increase in net withdrawals of deposits.”

The question is, what do the vast majority of Israelis, who do not even know what the term “disposable income” means, do? When so many people, not even in “poverty”, extend their overdraft just to get by, what can be done do litterally save this vast majority of the population. Lets open tyhe discussion. Your comments welcome.

Opening Post – Addressing Poverty

Posted by admin under Poverty in Israel

Man Begging

In this first post I address the central issue of this blog.  The central question at hand is, “Can poverty in Israel be addressed?” The issue of poverty in any western democracy has some basic fundamentals that are consistent among all countries.  There are of course the Macro and Micro economic issues. There are the issues of mindset and culture.  These are all common to any country that has a significant amount of poverty in it.  These is of course the current global economy also affects poverty, and just making a living in genral.

In Israel, the issue is exacerbated by the different cultural approaches to making a living.  One of the key goals of this blog is to bring to the public conversation all that is important in understanding that poverty can be addressed in Israel.  We welcome our readers to join us in exploring this most pressing issue. Together we shall strive to find a solution.