(Archive photo)
Photo: Shaul Golan
Jerusalem
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Study: Jerusalem twice as poor
Research shows poverty in Jerusalem twice as bad as other Israeli cities. In past six years poverty rises by 40 percent, with 24 percent earning minimum wage
A new study conducted by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem's Dr. Johnny Gal and Tel Aviv University's Idit Weiss for the Institute for Jerusalem Studies revealed that in the past six years, the poverty levels in Jerusalem have increased by 40 percent.
The study further showed that amongst the ultra-Orthodox and Arab populations, the poverty rate has reached 70 percent.
In 1999, the rate of poor families in Jerusalem came to 26 percent whereas about two years ago the rate had risen to 33 percent.
Every second child in Jerusalem is defined as poor, as opposed to every third child in the rest of the country.
Only 44 percent of Jerusalem's residents who are capable of joining the workforce are employed, as opposed to 54 percent in the rest of Israel.
Those who are employed in Jerusalem also make less money. Last year, the average salary in Jerusalem was NIS 5,940 (about USD 1,400) as opposed to 7,287 (about USD 1,700) in Tel Aviv.
24 percent of the employed workers in Jerusalem have been earning up to minimum wage.
The study's composers recommended a city council be established for the struggle against poverty, and personal welfare services be given to each poor family.
The study will be presented on Thursday during a seminar which will be held in Jerusalem.
