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NEWS
Becher Antipoverty Commission Visits Modi'in Illit
by A. Cohen
Finance Ministry Director Dr. Yossi Becher and members of the
Becher Commission set up to find ways to reduce poverty in
Israel, visited Modi'in Illit recently to gain a firsthand
acquaintance with the city's needs. The commission members
were impressed with the plan formulated by Council Head Rabbi
Yaakov Guterman to limit poverty in the city through
employment projects and said they would assess how to adopt
the initiative as a model for other chareidi towns and as a
means of combating poverty in the general population.
The commission was told about the problems caused by the lack
of State lands, water and sewage infrastructure and
industrial areas. The commission members were also impressed
by the unprecedented population growth in the city and the
plans for education and employment, which have altered the
city beyond recognition. Rabbi Guterman told them that
despite its low socioeconomic level, the town has a balanced
budget and proper administration.
The commission members toured the city's educational
institutions and employment centers to see firsthand how to
help solve additional bureaucratic obstacles. At the end of
the tour Dr. Becher said he intends to adopt Modi'in Illit's
plan in other places as well.
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