Immigrant Pensioners Forum Presents Program to Political Parties

The Forum of Immigrant Pensioners has submitted a new program aimed at improving the living conditions of elderly immigrants to the leaders of five political parties. The initiative, prepared by the "Hazit HaKavod" Movement, which unites over 40 public organizations of former Soviet Union citizens, calls on political leaders to lobby the Knesset and government for solutions to pressing social issues.

A significant problem highlighted is the lack of Israeli pension savings for many immigrants who have worked in Israel for 20 to 30 years, leaving them to live on basic old-age benefits and often below the poverty line. The program points to financial discrimination, noting that 73% of Holocaust survivors from former Soviet countries live in poverty, compared to only 1% of Holocaust survivors from European countries, due to disparities in state aid.

Ahead of the 2027-2030 period, the program's release has already prompted four parties to include immigrant pensioner issues in their election platforms. The "Hazit HaKavod" Movement plans further meetings with party leaders and campaign managers to ensure these issues are addressed. Alexander Berman, President of the "Hazit HaKavod" Movement, stated that the work with politicians will continue until the set goals are fully achieved.