Haredi Leaders Discuss Economic Hardship and Employment in New Podcast Episode
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
MK Meir Porush hosted Haredi employment expert Chizki Klein on his podcast "Doing Things Together" to discuss the economic struggles of thousands of avreichim facing the high cost of living. Klein highlighted the lack of political attention to the issue, while Porush admitted current training programs are insufficient. Both outlined a vision for increased government recognition of vocational training and improved access to public sector jobs for the Haredi community.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Meir Porush hosted Haredi employment expert Chizki Klein on his podcast to discuss economic hardship.
- Klein highlighted the struggles of thousands of avreichim facing the rising cost of living in Israel.
- Porush acknowledged that current employment training programs are insufficient and pledged expansion.
- The leaders discussed the need for government recognition of vocational training as an alternative to degrees.
- They also addressed barriers preventing Haredim from entering senior public service positions.
MK Meir Porush, chairman of Shlomei Emunim, has released a new episode of his podcast "Doing Things Together," featuring Chizki Klein, chairman of the Haredi employment organization 'Mlakhtam.' Klein, who was instrumental in the success of the Haredi Real Estate Expo which drew over 13,000 attendees, joined Porush to voice the concerns of thousands of Haredi men studying in yeshivas (avreichim) across Israel who are struggling financially due to the rising cost of living.
Klein described the issue as a neglected area where politicians have shied away, noting that many avreichim in cities like Beitar Illit, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, and peripheral areas are unable to make ends meet. The discussion also addressed the perceived monopoly of academia and the entry requirements for civil service positions.
Porush acknowledged that the employment training initiatives undertaken so far, particularly within the Ministry of Jerusalem and Tradition, which he oversees, have been minimal. He pledged to develop new work plans in this area before the upcoming elections, aiming to expand these efforts nationwide.
Together, Porush and Klein outlined a vision for the Haredi economy in the next term. This includes a government push for official recognition of supervised vocational training programs as an alternative to academic degrees, and efforts to break down barriers preventing Haredim from entering senior public service roles, all while maintaining their spiritual values.