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An elderly symbol of Israeli poverty, living on NIS 2,732 a month
Omri Efraim
Published: 13.02.14, 10:54
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29 Talkbacks for this article
1. Do you think any of our well paid politicians CARE????!!!!!!
Shulamit ,   Israel   (02.13.14)
I am in the same boat. THEY have all the perks, retirement income, health insurance and money they need. They DON'T CARE!!!!!!!!
2. Living in Israel
Abe Benjamin ,   Migdal Ha Emek ,   (02.13.14)
After we made Aliya from Australia 30 years ago, my wife and I get 3500 a month, this may not be a luxury, but it's far better than most, if not All Mideast countries can offer their pensioners. Stop whining ! You don't like it ? Go back where you came from. Israel,with all it's security problems does look after its elderly. The Leftists can twist ths to a political issue, but what did you do when you supposedly led the country during its first 25 years, absolutely nothing for us pensioners!!
3. Heating?
Leon   (02.13.14)
I rented a room during my oleh experience which didn't have a bleeping WINDOW !!! The landlords are real cads in Israel, ripping you off at every turn. Be forewarned!
4. I am sorry for this lady especially the fact that her
Al   (02.13.14)
daughter was a victim of a terrorist attack at the hands of our 'peace partners'. Those same 'peace partners' with whom our dumbass politicians never seem to tire in promoting the next 'precious' Oslo peace accords or some other nonsensical peace offerings. Having said that I am equally disturbed by the overlaying sense of entitlement that seems to reek from all levels of Israeli society. Listen up my fellow Jews. Israel was founded to be a safe heaven for us Jews who have been oppressed for the past 2000 years. Israel is not a soup kitchen. It is a country that has some very serious financial and security needs. Israel is in dire need of people who are ready to pony up and do their part. It does not need legions of people who are simply on the take. That sweet welfare teat and that sense of entitlement has got to go. If you want a country then its time to grow up and take command of your lives.
5. #1 why only politicians?
(02.13.14)
There is a long list of unelected civil servants as well as former ministers who earn a monthly pension far in excess of 100000 NIS. All that is needed is to limit a government pension to "only" 50000 NIS a month, and there would be no more hungry pensioners, but don't expect Herzog to attack his rich friends.
6. her rent sounds cheap compared to many
qwerty ,   Jerusalem   (02.13.14)
Her rent is 2,000 a month or less? That is very inexpensive compared to the average in Jerusalem. I don't mean to be rude or minimize her struggle, but that's super cheap, especially if she lives alone
7. 1# Shulamit ; Nikkui Le'tzedek Chivrati cares
Nikkui Le'tzedek Chi ,   Jerusalem   (02.13.14)
Shulamit : Nikkui Le'tzedek Chivrati cares, for you and for Riki Cohen There is a barrel of loopholes for the rich in Israel; Happy to screw the poor, provided they donate a pittance to charity to clear their comscience. The system built on bureaucracy and inefficiency helps them get away with it Hence, amuta Nikkui Le'Tzedek Chivrati has recently exposed a fraud against the State for $10'smillions and mean to do muych more
8. Old age pension in Israel is discraceful.
Wise Saba ,   Western Negev   (02.13.14)
Israel has the lowest old age pension then any other country in the western civilized world.
9. Bennett and his Party Walk Out
Zechariah   (02.13.14)
The money for settlements is diverting funds from the poor disabled and IDF .The Jordan Valley Armed reserve Defending Israel from the ElQueda and Iran needs More and the Rest of the country needs protect its citizens against Fascistic Fanatacism and Terror.
10. An elderly symbol of Israeli poverty, living on NIS 2,732 a
Rina ,   Haifa, Israel   (02.13.14)
I don't know what this women spend her money on, if she have no money on food. She live in assisted by government appartment, which cost her most 600 NIC or less, because they cover in with her rent appartment money. She have 50% discount on the elcetricity bills. she have 100% discount on arnona (the land taxes). She have 50% discount on drugs. She have 50% discount on buss, train, metro tickets. The most expencive food is beef from 35 to 150 per kilo. The meat of chicken or turkey cost from 28-37 NIC per kilo. The fruits and vegies can be as cheep as 2 NIC per kilo or up to 5 NIC per kilo. The bread in super cost from 4 to 7.80, in market from 4-5.50 (white bread). The brown bread more expencive from 10 NIC to 16 NIC. The flour in my super they sell 3 kg on 10 NIC. If she have no money on food, it's mean she have big debts for something or someone taken her money, or she gave her money to someone herlself. Some people lie like breaf, because they would gain something for lies like this. I think she do this article for some of money. And if you look on her picture, she hardly look like starved women. She more looks like bussy body who would lie if they pay her.
11. # 8 Response
Raptor   (02.13.14)
Israel is neither Western nor "civilized" in the way you mean. Israeli society and culture is dominated by a mixture of Eastern European "Shtetl" mentality and North African cum Arab, Moor, Berber mentality. This is a statement of fact and is not meant to be derogatory in any way whatsoever, just putting things in their correct perspective. You either take it or leave it.
12. # 11
Dick Van Allen ,   Tel-Aviv, Israel   (02.13.14)
Very well analysed, it also means that here you learn early on to look after YOURSELF and that includes saving for a rainy day. Dont expect handouts.
13. To Rina #10
Israelette ,   Tel Aviv   (02.13.14)
You are a heartless person. I hope you never find yourself in the situation that this lady is in
14. The rich israeli Leftist businessmen should help them all !
(02.13.14)
15. Very sad.I hope the rich Herzog will help her to get money
(02.13.14)
16. @ 13
AJ - Raalte   (02.13.14)
In fact, Rina is quite right in her observations. Of course, we'd all like to have some more money to spend than we actually do.
17. #11 Amazing description.. good talkback, thx
Shatner   (02.13.14)
18. entitlement society
ethel ,   ny us   (02.13.14)
she says I expect the state to help me even after she gets almost 3000 sheckles free rent,heat.electricity.medication.etc.she should go back to russia and see how good she lives there. socialist entitlement mentality.
19. taught what to say
ethel ,   ny us   (02.13.14)
She looks well fed.Has enough money to wear makeup and nice haircut.Your not fooling me
20. The government has no time for it’s citizens.
Rich ,   Toronto, Canada   (02.13.14)
It’s much too busy trying to start a war with Iran. This way millions of Israelis will be killed, and the government won’t have to worry about paying out pensions. For you die-hard Zionists out there, you guys are going to die hard! lol!
21. Elderly in poverty
r ,   israel   (02.13.14)
She isn't the only one, many middle age people are in the same boat, I am from a family of 4 and we live on only 2,000 more sheckles a month than she does, and we are having a hard struggle too, life is hard here, you have to watch every argorot and sheckle especially when in comes to food, I often go from store to store by foot to see the best prices, and do without such things as new clothes,new shoes etc, money only for food and bills. At least this woman gets reductions on public transportation, and taxes,. In Israel you can't live above your means
22. tiny apartment in jerusalem
ethel ,   ny us   (02.13.14)
She is 1 person how big of a place does she need from the picture it looks like her apartment is big enough I know of people who live in a 1 room who are happy just to have a roof over their heads. Some people are never content.
23. liberal lies
ethel ,   ny us   (02.13.14)
this woman communicated with herzogs aide very suspicious to me they most have told her what to say.my mother who worked her whole life does not even get $775 a month from ssr.Just more liberal socialist communist lies.
24. Both Arabs and Haredim have large extneded families who help
bob k ,   orlando fl usa   (02.13.14)
Two points, firstly state benefits are never enough for a real feeling of plenty.- They are just about enough to get by on which can be depressing. Secondly, both Arabs and Haredim have large extended families who can help out. Haredim also have great charitable organizations who help, while Arabs also have charity groups to help the more needy. Ultimately there is no answer because it would cost any Western state too much to give everybody what they would like. Look at the UK which has cut benefits and the poorer countries in Europe like Greece which became almost bankrupt after its governments took out loans from the European Bank to pay for more benefits and not coincidentally more votes for the then ruling party. Forget comparisons to the OECD, in the U.S. millions live on food stamps which are also not enough.
25. The USA must be made to pay more in aid
Mordechai   (02.14.14)
why are we not lobbying to increase our payments from the USA?
26. 19.
Birdi ,   Israel   (02.14.14)
She probably cuts her hair herself or gets a friend to cut it for free. She was made up ( make-up) for the photo shoot. She does'nt look like the regular poor elderly lady, most Russians. know how to take care of their looks! All immigrants who are of pension age are legally entitled for extra help. Eat your heart out over there in NY. All this woman asks for is to be able to buy her grandkids a cake. Is that asking too much?
27. 23.
Birdi ,   Israel   (02.14.14)
No use comparing USA to Israel. How about coming here to see for yourself how the elderly live & manage with great hardship, before you decide she is a liar.
28. 4.
Birdi ,   Israel   (02.14.14)
Coming straight from the mouth of a guy who never went without a meal etc. Israel opened her doors to 1 million Russian immigrants. Israel has to take care of every single pensioner. Believe it or not, Israel has the means to provide for these people so they can live in dignity, with food in their homes, the medication they need & the money to pay their bills. Have you ever been to Jerusalem in the winter? Do you know what its like not to have your tiny apartment heated in the winter in Jerusalem? No you dont. You know as well as I do that they cannot afford to return to Russia. How on earth do you expect them to take command of their lives at their age? They came here with nothing.They are old & many are ill. They deserve better, no matter what you think. For once in your life, get off your high horse & try to see the other side!
29. Talkbacks about old age pension
sonya browne ,   eugene, oregon, us   (11.15.15)
In the US the old age pension is lower than in Israel, just to correct some commentators who say Israel has the lowest one. In US supplemental security income is only $733 for one person. Recipient is also not allowed to save more than $2000.
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