Bnei Brak Municipality Employs Over 200 Retirees Amid Financial Crisis

The Bnei Brak Municipality is employing 219 workers over the age of 67, the standard retirement age in Israel, despite facing a significant deficit of approximately 130 million shekels. Among these employees are eight individuals over 80 and one who is 94 years old, the oldest employee in the municipality. The total annual cost for these post-retirement employees amounts to nearly 40 million shekels.

These revelations come from data obtained by the "Free Israel" organization and the Movement for Freedom of Information following a request for public information. "Free Israel" alleges that the unusual employment practices are due to political favoritism and internal Haredi political calculations, suggesting that these hires are not based on necessity but on connections.

The municipality stated that employment up to age 72 is permissible with mutual agreement but committed to conducting an individual review of employees older than that threshold. Regulations from the Ministry of Interior generally require special justifications and individual approvals for extending employment beyond age 70.

Bnei Brak's financial struggles have led to a stern warning letter from the Ministry of Interior regarding its deteriorating economic situation, including the threat of appointing a financial supervisor. Internal documents from the mayor and CEO have acknowledged a persistent budget imbalance and significant cash flow challenges.

"Free Israel" has called on the Ministry of Interior to intervene urgently in the management of the municipality, which they claim is on the verge of insolvency. They highlighted the case of a 69-year-old employee earning an annual salary close to one million shekels as particularly concerning.