Operation Protective Edge cost Israel 4.3 billion, while projected total cost has been estimated at NIS 8.5 billion. Who ends up really paying the price? Whose security is neglected over the cost of national security?
Sharon Guarihn: “Security is not just about national security, it’s about economic security…”
By: Rabbi Idit Lev
The Committee to Fight Poverty (Alaluf Committee) recommended allocating NIS 8 billion Shekels (about 2.3 billon USD) to go towards poverty, in particular for housing aid and increasing of social welfare. This could reduce the poverty rate by ten percent in five years. Meanwhile it seems that economic and military rehabilitation following the Protective Edge operation in Gaza will push aside implementing these recommendations. And who pays the price? The citizens living in poverty, of course. Listen to Sharon Guarihn’s call, a citizen of Hadera with a monthly salary of 2200 Shekels (634 USD):
“Security is not just about national security, it’s about economic security, and it’s starting to be about nutritional security, basic security of kids who don’t have it; they don’t have after-school activities or a proper school to go to. How can we live like this? This is not economic welfare or security. My boy is afraid that tomorrow they’ll throw him out of his home because we can’t afford rent. Wake up people, wake up!”
Report by Israel Social TV featuring Rabbi Idit Lev and Rabbi Sigal Asher of RHR’s Rights Center in Hadera [Hebrew]
RHR’s response to the findings of the Alaluf Committee
All posts from our Socioeconomic Justice in Israel Department
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