The poverty data that is published periodically, touches the hearts of most Israeli citizens and arouses feelings of compassion. The State Comptroller's report that brought the issue to the public agenda also drew quite a few reactions and feelings of identification on the Israeli street.
But for a small group of people - primarily wealthy people and politicians, who share common interests - publications of this type are mainly irritating and create feelings of discomfort, and hence disagreement.
This clique, which prides itself on its initiatives to help the needy in their various sectors - the elderly, immigrants, the laid-off, those with wealthy families - by providing assistance and relief, and its wealthy partners who enrich themselves at the expense of the weaker classes, or more precisely the disadvantaged, are uncomfortable with this data.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
Here comes an objective report, presenting hard, indisputable data, proving that no substantial change has been made since the previous report, despite the politicians' declarations after each such report that they will do everything to correct the situation.
Their almost instinctive response is: 'The data is wrong. There is no poverty in Israel.'.
Do they themselves believe this? The answer, absurdly enough, in most cases is definitely positive. A small and defined part of the population believes that this is a fiction, that there really is no poverty. In their opinion, these are liars who work illegally, or people who hide huge donations they receive. In short, exploiters of the public purse.
The fact is that they did not meet those poor people on their trips abroad and in luxury boutiques, where they spend most of their time. On the tip of the tongues of the rich and leaders from among that population are sentences such as, "There is really no poverty, those who really want to can take care of themselves," "People ask for help because they are pampering themselves and do not want to work," "These are lazy people who want to take care of the public purse.".
The thread connecting these statements, with their many variations, is a lack of compassion and indifference, and making the victim the culprit in their situation.
""Is there really anyone who doesn't have enough food to eat?"
But to the aid of this insensitive group came help from an unexpected source: journalist and media figure Kobi Arieli, who gave them a gift for the holiday. From every stage he appeared on, Arieli released statements that expressed what that group was thinking and was sometimes ashamed to say out loud: "Where is the poverty?" And also: "Is there really anyone who doesn't have enough food to eat?"
He invites readers and listeners to the malls and brand stores to check whether or not there is poverty.
Arieli agrees with the fact that there is indeed a periphery, immigrants and poor elderly people, but he does not hesitate to dedicate even half a line to identifying with their plight. He only wonders how it is possible that members of the middle class are also among the poor and suffering. And not only the middle class, in his opinion, the Haredim do not necessarily belong to the 'poor group': "The lie of lies is the inclusion of the entire Haredi sector in the statistical data, when we are dealing with a public that for the most part cannot be measured with empirical tools since its consumption basket is different by definition.".
The focus on poverty, according to Ariely, is a media attraction and interests of non-profit organizations, conclusions that are not backed by data, and an incomprehensible arrogance that is perhaps only appropriate for a researcher who has been involved in the field for decades.
Shopping at the mall, and stealing the matrona
But, it may be worth mentioning, poverty is not necessarily measured by the parameter 'shopping at the mall'. How many of those people who buy the brands in the malls actually "close the month"? Are there various collection and enforcement procedures against some of the people who stroll through the malls and shopping centers and perhaps also purchase something for themselves? Has anyone checked the number of store owners [including in the mall] who were forced to close due to bankruptcy? This hidden data cannot be seen on a tour of any shopping center.
Also regarding the ultra-Orthodox sector, which Arieli knows well, it would be worth asking the container owners whether they have encountered the phenomenon of worried parents stealing loaves of bread or 'Maternal' packages. The answers may surprise quite a few people.
What is particularly disturbing is that these people are not hiding. They can be heard under every green tree and prosaic radio program of 'conversations with listeners.' Poverty has a face and a name. The people are interviewed in their own voices, give their names, and say that although they and their spouses work, they need help from charities to buy food.
For this group of people who have never experienced real deprivation, it is difficult, if not impossible, to believe that there are people looking for work, and when one is found, the money is directed to paying off debts or paying hard expenses such as a mortgage, property taxes, electricity, etc.
There is not always enough food left.
