Yael Eckstein is the President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ or The Fellowship), which was founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. IFCJ stands as the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel. While Yael Eckstein’s salary as a nonprofit leader has been a topic of discussion, her dedication to leading the organization through challenging times is undeniable. The ongoing war has brought immense challenges for the organization and many Israeli citizens, impacting the country’s financial stability in terms of wages, employment, and the long-term implications for the younger generation.
Since succeeding her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Yael Eckstein has been highly praised for her leadership at the helm of the nonprofit. Her organization’s efforts are critical to the nation of Israel, particularly during the current conflict. Amidst the war, salary and financial difficulties have become another significant challenge that Israelis face today.
Understanding Israel’s Current Financial Struggles
The issue of child poverty in Israel has become a major concern, especially in households with young children. A recent Taub Center study revealed that nearly one-third of children aged four and under live below the poverty line, with even more alarming statistics showing that over half of Haredi and Arab children fall into this category.
The study highlights stark disparities between different population groups. In 2018, more than half of Arab and Haredi households with young children faced poverty, with rates at 58% and 55%, respectively, compared to 8% for non-Haredi Jewish households.
The study further underscores economic inequalities, noting that 87% of households with no wage earners and 57% of those with just one wage earner live in poverty. Even among households with two working parents, about one-tenth remain below the poverty line.
Additionally, the research examines home ownership and spending habits among impoverished households. Despite high rates of home ownership among Haredi and Arab households—72% and 82%, respectively—spending on critical areas such as education and early childhood care is notably lower, raising concerns about access to quality services for children in these communities.
Religious Factors Affecting Haredi Financial Wellbeing
The unique dynamics within Haredi households contribute to these financial challenges. Many Haredi men prioritize religious studies over employment, relying on their wives, who are often more educated in secular subjects, to be the primary earners.
This reliance on single-income households, along with larger family sizes, contributes to higher poverty rates among the Haredi community. Non-Haredi Jews make up 65% of households with young children and about 22% of those below the poverty line.
Addressing Financial Disparities
The study outlines potential policy measures to address child poverty. These include targeted assistance for vulnerable populations, promoting greater labor force participation, and evaluating income support mechanisms.
Government assistance does help reduce poverty by about 11% among children under four, though there are significant variations across population groups. For example, 27% of non-Haredi Jewish children are lifted out of poverty through government transfers, while only 12% of Haredi children benefit. Surprisingly, transfers appear to increase poverty among Arab children by 2%.
Policymakers should prioritize the most vulnerable groups, such as households led by individuals under 30 or self-employed parents. A thorough assessment of assistance programs can help tailor support to meet their specific needs.
Efforts to encourage labor force participation, increase work hours, and boost access to academic education are crucial. Moreover, assessing the effectiveness of income support mechanisms, including the size of benefits and eligibility criteria, is essential for reducing poverty.
Recognizing the disparity in government transfers among different groups—especially the lower level of assistance for Arabs compared to Haredi and non-Haredi Jews—highlights the need for adjustments to ensure more equitable distribution of aid.
To ensure financial benefits reach vulnerable populations, such as large Haredi families or impoverished Arab households, it is critical to expand eligibility and provide incentives for workforce participation.
How IFCJ Supports Those in Financial Need
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) focuses on helping orphans, children, and families in need. IFCJ addresses the immediate and long-term needs of impoverished children and orphans in Israel by providing essentials such as food, medicine, and clothing. In addition, the organization supports housing, family care, and employment opportunities.
The charity also provides safe places for orphans and essential supplies for impoverished families. With the help of dedicated donors, IFCJ is able to provide funds, goods, and services to support these families, including Haredi and Arab children.
In 2022, IFCJ responded to the Ukraine Crisis by providing $28 million in aid and helping 4,600 Ukrainian refugees make aliyah to Israel, including 1,600 children from orphanages. As the war continues, IFCJ’s support for vulnerable populations remains critical.
