Israel faces a whole host of burning issues that demand the full and immediate attention of the prime minister and his cabinet.
For years Israel’s GDP per capita grew by 2% to 2.5% per year; however, from 2012 to 2016 it slowed to an average annual growth rate of about .9%
When compared to other OECD countries, Israel still has the highest poverty rates of all developed countries.
1,412,000 adults and 1,024,000 children live under the poverty line, with 1 in 3 poor children skipping meals.
Researchers said there was “serious doubt” if the steps taken so far, and those planned, will bring poverty rates down to the OECD average.
Welfare minister Haim Katz says people must go back to work. Unemployment at record low of 4.6%.
As we look back over the past Jewish year, Israel has room for much optimism and hope – and a dark cloud or two.
Israel also lags behind on student spending.
With regards to income inequality Israel ranked 37 out of 41 countries - meaning that the household income of a child at the bottom 10th percentile is 64.58% lower than that of the average child.
There is no shortage of negative news about Israel; Every once in a while we Israelis should remember there is much for which to be proud.
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