article is very poor, no background, minimal info, par for the course

When Surgeons, after all their training only take home around 6 thousand sheqels a month it's no womder they are on strike

They don't spend the best years of their lives in the army - then in medical school to work sometimes a two day shift for peanuts. I'm so sick of hearing that our economy is doing well - who are they trying to impress? Not the average Israeli that's for sure. For it's another story when you have to live here, buy cottage cheese and pay rent/mortgage - or if you're a doctor - we all have other stories to tell. Unemployment is at it's lowest and that's good - but the average working Israeli aren't feeling any of the benefits the government keep banging on about.

While doctor's salaries are generally undeservedly low in this country, they are not usually minimum wage, and a strike will not break the bank. However, a doctor's work cannot be done without the rest of the care time, which includes nurses and orderlies who indeed have salaries close to or at minimum wage - they cannot strike because they already live hand-to-mouth. But they are no less deserving of a living wage. It is very poignant that these strikes parallel the housing protests, because - and this point is critical - the government is essentially saying that people who save lives do not deserve a home.

Didn't you mean to say : They spend the best years of their lives in the army ? All youth do that. In any case, doctors are deserving of better wages - my oseret is making much much more per hour than these educated doctors

I left Israel because of this. I did all my surgical training in Israel and was an award winning surgeon. It is kind of fitting that the doctors' strike and the housing protests are at the same time. I have earnt here in London in a day's work today more than I used to earn in Israel in one month. I was a senior surgeon in Tel Aviv I worked full time in a state hospital and evenings in my own Kupat Holim clinic and weekends in Moked Maccabbi. I earnt with three places of work in one month less than I did here in London today. I operated the horrifically wounded from the bombings in nineties etc and I cared for my patients deeply and I love Israel but money talks. Here I provide for my family and now when I visit Israel I stay in my appartment in Hertzylia Pituach and sit in the Marina. Life as a Jew in the diaspora is very easy! Had I stayed in Israel I could never have dreamed of a flat in Hertzylia Pituach! or anywhere else in Gush Dan!

Dovid's story is so typical. For and Israeli kid, the competition to get into Med School is fierce. the learning hard and long. Then the Army - during and after Med School. Then specialization - all this on wages of poverty/slavery. Let's get real: Pay people what they're worth. That includes teachers, nurses, aids, etc. Stop destroying the middle class. Be decent, honest and kind. Do unto others... Foolish words. It's so much easier to take advantage of others.

the working conditions for doctors are horrific, especially here in the South. There is not enough personnel, there is not enough room, everything is more or less makeshift - just go and visit the outpatient clinic eye department in Soroka and you will be shocked (I just had that "pleasure").

Israel cannot afford a brain drain but the brightest doctors will leave the country while more and more money goes to parasites who sit in yeshivas all day.

Somebody in Israel is earning well, judging from the numbers of new cars and the plethora of consumer goods. I wonder if it's only the business leaders and/or the building contractors. In order to spread the wealth we must first identify which sectors are hoarding it. The government could raise salaries of deserving sectors perhaps by siphoning off excess incomes from the rich. I also suggest trimming superfluous workers from government employment. Make them get real jobs.

You are 100% right. Kol hakavod to all those striking for better wages, cheaper housing etc. Its time Bibi started taking care of his people & not himself & the already rich folk here. Start sharing the wealth Bibi!

I agree with you Noa. The working conditions for doctors, nurses & nurse's aids all over Israel are disgusting. Of course not in the private hospitals! Its time for more people to take to the streets of Israel & protest.