Ahead of International Children�s Day observed on June 1, 2013, Welfare Minister (Yesh Atid) Meir Cohen announced there is a need to reflect on the nation�s civil and social future and to examine the declining position of children in Israel.
According to Bituach Leumi, 46% of Israel�s poor are children and based on last year�s numbers, that amounts to over 860,000. The minister explains one out of every three children is poor. Cohen blames the sharp cuts made by Finance Minister Yair Lapid for a worsening situation and hopes his office will be able to work to assist the growing number of children in need.
According to the ministry�s figures, it is proven that out of 2.5 million children, 450,000 are �at risk� at different levels. Cohen�s office has increased budgetary allocations to assist these children, allocating an additional 5 million NIS for the fund to assist at risk youths.
Cohen next month hopes to present his nutrition plan which focuses on these children in part, stating this program carries a 200 million NIS price tag.
He stresses that his office is focused first and foremost on the children and their issues �which overwhelm us� he added.
He warns that failure to act appropriately to assist the children will lead to a disastrous situation in the future.
(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
The figures in this piece are all over the place. One statistic states 46%. The very next sentence says 1 of 3. The article continues to say 450,000 of 2.5 million.
Either way, all Israeli children need to be taken care of, either Arab or Jewish.