Integrating Haredi Men into Israel's Workforce Presents Major Challenges
A panel discussion at the "Decisive Moment: Democracy and Society" conference, hosted by Ynet and Yediot Ahronot in collaboration with the Israel Democracy Institute, explored the significant challenges in integrating the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into Israel's workforce. Dr. Gilad Malach of the Israel Democracy Institute highlighted that while the Haredi population constitutes about 14% of Israel's residents, half of Haredi men are unemployed, and those who are employed earn significantly less than non-Haredi Jewish men. This situation poses a "huge challenge" to the economy, especially as the Haredi population grows.
Odelia Perush, CEO of the Haredi consulting firm GOAPP, explained that historical factors, including welfare benefits and exemption from military service, have hindered entry into the job market. She noted that a 30-year-old Haredi man with several children faces immense difficulty in deciding what to study and how to support his family, stating that "cosmetic solutions" like opening more employment centers are insufficient to address these deep-rooted issues.
While some Haredi individuals do find employment and advance, Perush observed that women are progressing more rapidly than men in the workforce. There is a lack of sufficient mobility and role models demonstrating advancement to senior positions while maintaining a strong Haredi identity.
Professor Udi Nisan, formerly head of the Budget Division at the Ministry of Finance, argued that Israel's welfare system disproportionately benefits families who choose not to work, creating a monthly net income gap of approximately 7,000 shekels between Haredi and non-Haredi Jewish households. He called for changes to welfare policies to incentivize work and require individuals to maximize their earning potential.
Nisan also stressed the need for fundamental changes in the Haredi education system, stating that Haredi boys lack equal opportunities and the necessary skills for quality, long-term employment. Dr. Malach added that by the time a Haredi man starts seeking employment at age 27, it is "too late." He emphasized that a functional state should not fund an education system that does not provide comprehensive studies and that welfare rules must be reformed to encourage workforce participation.
