Charity Slams Government Over Rising Poverty Ahead of Holidays

The Israeli organization "Python Lev" is distributing 24,000 food packages to needy families, criticizing the government for inaction amidst rising living costs and economic hardship. Organizers report a 100% increase in demand for aid compared to a typical month, necessitating a two-day distribution effort. In addition to the surge in recipients, "Python Lev" notes a significant price increase for the food packages themselves, with costs rising approximately 20% over the past two years. This dual challenge forces charitable organizations to manage both increased demand and higher expenses per package.

Representatives from "Python Lev" sharply criticized the government, stating, "Today and tomorrow we are distributing 24,000 food packages, a 100% jump in demand compared to a normal month, which forced us to split the distribution over two days. Over the past two years, the cost of food packages has increased by about 20%, but the state continues to ignore the problem." The criticism extended to Knesset members, who were invited to visit distribution points to witness the plight of those in need but reportedly did not attend.

"We invited Knesset members to come and see firsthand the reality in which about two million poor people in Israel live, but no one came," the organization stated. "A month before the elections, when parties ask for citizens' trust, one should ask: where are the social programs? Who is going to provide a real answer to the problem of poverty and food security in Israel?"

The increase in demand reported by "Python Lev" aligns with data from other charities. Earlier this week, the organization "Latet" reported a 32% rise in demand for holiday food packages for the Tishrei holidays, citing an increase in families facing financial difficulties and food shortages.