Poverty

Jerusalem’s future depends on supporting small business growth - opinion

The capital is Israel’s second-poorest large city. Fixing that doesn’t require a miracle – it requires investing in Jerusalem’s small business sector.

|BySTEVE FLEISCHER
Poverty in J'lem 370
Children play atop a tank, on Israel's Memorial Day, which commemorates fallen soldiers of Israel's wars and Israeli victims of hostile attacks, in Latrun, Israel April 21, 2026.

Israeli children's mental health plummets as a result of ongoing war experiences

This year's data points to an increase of tens of percent in diagnoses of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts among children aged 6 and 9.

|ByAVICHAI LEVI
Latet volunteers are seen packing food for Passover.

The cost of Israel's war is also measured at the Seder table - opinion

Nearly one in four Israelis (24.1%) will celebrate Passover in a more restricted manner this year due to financial constraints.

|ByGILLES DARMON
Iranian Rial banknotes over a backdrop of the Iranian flag; illustration.

Iran risks renewed protests as citizens reach 'breaking point' amid war-stricken economy

Over 40% of Iran's population lives below the absolute poverty line, with that figure exceeding 50% in the capital. Economists warn, however, that the real poverty rate may have climbed above 60%.

|ByOMID HABIBINIA/THE MEDIA LINE

Rabbi Pinto Reveals: Why Do the Rich Spend More Time with Me than the Poor?

MAY 7, 2025ByDAVID BERGER

NGOs see dramatic increase in financial assistance requests from young people

"The sharp rise we are seeing in the number of aid recipients ahead of Passover is a clear and stark expression of the deepening distress in Israeli society," Pitchon Lev CEO Eli Cohen said.

APRIL 7, 2025ByAVIHAI CHIIM
IFCJ PRESIDENT Yael Eckstein (center) visits a shelter in Kiryat Shmona. ‘I think it’s a very incorrect assumption to feel or think that we, in the rest of Israel, are not connected to what’s happening there.’

Economic concerns cloud Passover celebrations as cost of living crisis deepens in Israel

Survey reveals Israelis cutting food budgets as household expenses jump NIS 1,644 monthly. Despite personal struggles, 42% still plan to donate holiday meals to those in need.

APRIL 2, 2025ByYUVAL BAGNO
People beg on the streets of Jerusalem.

Iran's water crisis at tipping point in threat to Islamic regime's stability

Iran expert Dr. Sharona Mazalian Levi says prolonged water outages, empty reservoirs, and crop failures may be a recipe for social unrest.

MARCH 30, 2025ByOHAD MERLIN
Lake Urmia, a salty lake located in northwestern Iran between the provinces of West Azerbaijan and East Azerbaijan

Asylum-seeking, refugee women in Israel endure higher poverty rates and exploitation - report

The report states that among asylum-seeking and refugee women, the poverty rate is twice that of men, reaching 64% compared to 33% for men.

MARCH 20, 2025ByJOANIE MARGULIES
SOME OF THE thousands of asylum seekers, mainly from Sudan and Eritrea, who are living in Tel Aviv.

'Know this, Khamenei, this is your end': Iranians slam regime in footage from Tehran to Israel

While aware of consequences if caught, Iranians sent footage to N12 showing mass income inequality and support for Israel.

MARCH 9, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A woman walks past a poster showing Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The second social front: The war on poverty is not over - opinion

Let us remain faithful to the spirit of October 8 to preserve our country’s social cohesion and secure our future as a nation.

FEBRUARY 17, 2025ByGILLES DARMON
Leket's packages for goods.

Eurovision lessons: Israel can tackle poverty through participatory policymaking - opinion

By embracing participatory policymaking and empowering marginalized communities, Israel can create a future where poverty is not just a statistic but a challenge that we face – and solve – together.

FEBRUARY 15, 2025ByYONI BLASBALG
Tilshork (Zehava) Ayalew speaks at the Knesset about the poverty crisis in Israel.

Knesset marks national day for the fight against poverty

Lobby launches an action plan to break the poverty cycle for Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, as well as a new report showing 42% of families re-enter poverty after being out of poverty for a while.

JANUARY 13, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The committee for the fight against poverty, headed by by MKs Pnina Tamano-Shata and Avraham Betzalel.

Break the cycle of poverty for the sake of our kids - opinion

The outsourcing of social services must include a mandate for measuring social value.

JANUARY 13, 2025ByELI COHEN
ELI COHEN, CEO of Pitchon Lev. The organization provides a voice to those plagued by poverty, representing them through advocacy and promoting legislative change, says the writer.