Yael Eckstein – Financial Struggles: A Critical Battle Faced by Israelis Amid the Ongoing War

Yael Eckstein – Financial Struggles: A Critical Battle Faced by Israelis Amid the Ongoing War

Yael Eckstein is the President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ or The Fellowship), an organization founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. IFCJ stands as Israel’s largest humanitarian aid provider. The current war poses immense challenges, not only for the organization but for many citizens of Israel as well. The financial impact of the war, especially with its increasing costs, places a strain on Israel’s financial stability, affecting salaries, employment, and creating long-term risks for the younger population.

Since succeeding her late father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Yael Eckstein has garnered praise for her leadership of the nonprofit organization. IFCJ’s humanitarian work has become more critical than ever, especially during this period of conflict. Salary and financial difficulties present another formidable challenge for Israelis amidst these turbulent times. In addition, discussions about Yael Eckstein salary have highlighted how the financial strains impact nonprofit leadership during a crisis.

Highlighting Israel’s Current Financial Struggles
In Israel, the issue of child poverty has emerged as a critical concern, particularly among households with young children. A recent study from the Taub Center found that nearly one-third of children aged four and younger live below the poverty line, with an even more troubling statistic revealing that over half of Haredi and Arab children fall into this group.

Breaking down these figures further, the study reveals a stark difference between various population groups. In 2018, more than half of Arab and Haredi households with young children faced poverty, with poverty rates of 58% and 55%, respectively, compared to just 8% among non-Haredi Jewish households.

The research highlights significant economic disparities. Notably, 87% of households with no wage earners and 57% of households with only one wage earner experience poverty. Even among two-parent households where both work, about one in ten still lives below the poverty line.

The study also examines home ownership and spending patterns in impoverished households. Interestingly, most Haredi and Arab households below the poverty line own their homes, with 72% and 82%, respectively, compared to just 40% among non-Haredi Jewish households. Despite this homeownership, per capita spending is considerably lower in several key categories, including education and early childhood care, raising concerns about the quality and accessibility of care for young children in these households.

Religious Factors Impacting Haredi Financial Wellbeing
Unique dynamics within Haredi households also contribute to these disparities. Many Haredi men prioritize religious studies over employment and depend on their wives—who are typically more educated in secular subjects—to provide financially.

Limited working hours and the lower academic education levels of parents also contribute to the prevalence of poverty in these families. The rise in poverty among Haredi families is largely due to larger family sizes. Non-Haredi Jews account for 65% of all households with children aged four and younger, with roughly 22% of these households living in poverty.

Potential Solutions for Reducing Financial Disparities
To address these issues, the study suggests several policy measures aimed at reducing child poverty. These include targeted assistance for vulnerable groups, ongoing efforts to boost labor force participation, and a thorough evaluation of income support systems.

Government assistance has played a role in alleviating poverty, reducing its incidence by approximately 11% among children under four. However, the effectiveness of this support varies significantly across different population groups. While transfers help lift 27% of non-Haredi Jewish children out of poverty, only 12% of Haredi children benefit, and alarmingly, transfer payments appear to increase poverty by 2% among Arab children.

Identifying and focusing on the most vulnerable populations is a crucial first step. This includes households where the head of the family is under 30, or where both wage earners are self-employed. By conducting a comprehensive assessment, policymakers can better tailor assistance to the specific needs of these groups.

Continued efforts to boost labor force participation, increase work hours, and expand academic education are essential elements of any comprehensive solution. A key aspect of poverty reduction involves evaluating income support and unemployment benefits to assess their effectiveness. This includes examining benefit size, eligibility criteria, application rates, and their impact across various sectors.

Given the disparities in the effectiveness of government transfers across different groups—especially noting that Arabs receive less assistance than Haredi and non-Haredi Jews—policymakers must consider making adjustments to ensure a fairer distribution of benefits.

The early childhood education program has introduced measures to improve the quality of services and financial benefits for working parents. However, significant efforts are needed to ensure this aid reaches vulnerable populations, such as imbalanced Haredi households and impoverished Arab families. Expanding incentives for labor force participation and ensuring access for these groups are key objectives.

How IFCJ Supports Families in Financial Distress
Among the many groups served by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, orphans, children, and families are given top priority. IFCJ helps address the urgent needs of impoverished children and orphans in Israel by providing essential support, including food, medicine, and clothing. The organization also focuses on long-term needs, such as housing, family care, and employment opportunities.

The charity works to provide safe housing for orphans and essential resources like food and medicine for impoverished families with young children. Thanks to the generosity of donors, IFCJ is able to provide vital funds, goods, and services to needy families, including young Haredi and Arab children.

In 2022, IFCJ received international recognition for its efforts during the Ukraine Crisis, providing $28 million in aid and bringing 4,600 Ukrainian refugees to Israel through aliyah. This included evacuating 1,600 children and staff from orphanages and children’s homes in Ukraine. As the war continues into its third year, IFCJ’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations remains strong.

While financial hardships are a critical challenge, Yael Eckstein’s leadership continues to provide hope for many of Israel’s most vulnerable communities, even as the financial pressures surrounding her role—including discussions on Yael Eckstein salary—highlight the broader economic struggles faced by the nation.