Israel Marks International Poverty Day at SHATIL's Urging

December 2, 2009

At the behest of SHATIL and its organizational partners, Israel publicly recognized the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty for the first time on November 17.  The day, which was marked by Knesset plenary and committee meetings, included testimonies from individuals that put a human face on the scourge facing 20 percent of Israel's population.  One such face was that of Yichia M. who was injured on the job after 15 years of employment.  He now receives the equivalent of $230/month in social security payments and asked: "How am I to provide for my family on 1,000 NIS per month?"

The testimonies and much of the discussion focused on rethinking the definition of poverty.  While we tend to associate poverty with homeless people and those with little or nothing to eat, in fact nearly half of those who fall within the poverty threshold in Israel, as in the U.S., are the working poor.

Many of the issues brought up at the Knesset hit close to home for Hagit, a single mother who works as an administrative assistant.

"I spend 25 percent of my salary on after school child care so I can work," she said.  "In Europe this costs about 40 Euros per month.  This is how it should be here as well."  Hagit added, "If you were to see me on the street you wouldn't know I was poor.  I don't look poor; I have a job.  But in actuality, I am.  I can't afford a car or extracurricular activities for my son.  I can't even afford rent; I live in my parents' apartment."  

Among the participants at the Knesset's events was UN Envoy to the Middle East Robert Serry, who brought a commendation to Israel from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for its first participation in the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. 

NGO representatives who partnered with SHATIL in lobbying the Knesset to host this day, including the Organization for Housing Rights, Community Advocacy, Israel Center for Social Justice and the Women's Garden in Yaffo, booed  Welfare Minister Isaac Herzog’s suggestion that it was the role of civil society organizations to advise individuals of their welfare benefits.  He quickly defended himself saying that the government is taking new measures toward financial stability for its citizenry.

In tandem to the general discussion, seven committee meetings took place including one with the Ministry of Absorption, led by the SHATIL-initiated Forum for Combating Underemployment in the Immigrant Community. 

Subsequent to the November 17th events, four pieces of legislation were initiated including one that will defend individuals against cyclical firings, which are conducted illegally in order to evade payment of unemployment benefits.

 The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was covered extensively in the Israeli media with dozens of pieces in print publications, online news sites, television and radio.