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NEWS
Bnei Brak One of the Primary Victims of Budget Cuts
by A. Cohen
The Bnei Brak City Council held an emergency meeting last
week following outcries by party representatives on the
council who cite the further budget cuts--40 percent of
children's government allowances and a serious reduction in
support of Torah institutions--on the heels of other cuts two
months ago, as an instance of total disregard for the basic
needs of Israel's children. Meanwhile, they say, billions of
shekels are being funneled to entertainment and leisure and
various other activities that are far less vital,
particularly during a period of economic crisis.
These party representatives expressed shock that as
antisemitism runs rampant in many countries around the world
here in Israel there is such a high degree of agitation and
incitement against every single issue tied to the chareidi
sector. MKs from the same parties that constantly deride the
prime minister for lack of restraint have suddenly begun to
applaud and flatter him for taking measures against the
chareidi parties.
Yosef Paritzky (Shinui) sank to a particularly base level by
launching an attack in the media in which he referred to Bnei
Brak--a city of Torah, Chassidus and chesed with the
lowest delinquency rate in the country--as a "gang."
Party representatives on the city council claim the cuts
point to a malicious trend that affects hundreds of thousands
of children. While Israel is constantly lamenting decreases
in the Jewish population, they say, this trend stands in
contrast to policies in many Western nations that, due to
demographic circumstances, work to provide financial and
social assistance to large families.
"According to government figures 405,000 children--including
330,000 categorized as poor--benefit from the Children's
Allowance Law (of Bituach Leumi), and there is no greater
injustice than harming these children. Therefore those who
speak of the economy in such lofty terms should not allow
themselves to be blinded by abysmal waves of hatred and
should examine the facts and figures for themselves before
they raise their hands to harm allowances that are so
essential and legitimate."
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