Israeli Parties Pledge Gradual Pension Increases and Linking to Average Wage
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Representatives from Israeli "change bloc" parties have committed to gradually increasing old-age pensions and linking them to 25% of the average wage. The pledges were made at a conference organized by the Pensioners' Organization, which represents 1.3 million seniors. Key issues discussed included pension erosion, long-term care, and loneliness. Several parties expressed support for universal pensions and strengthening social security, with some aiming for an initial 1,000 shekel increase.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli "change bloc" parties pledged to gradually increase old-age pensions to 25% of the average wage.
- The Pensioners' Organization, representing 1.3 million seniors, hosted a conference demanding action on pensions and elder care.
- MK Gilad Kariv supported universal pensions and strengthening the National Insurance Institute.
- Yisrael Beiteinu now advocates for universal pensions, aiming for an initial 1,000 shekel increase.
- Several parties highlighted the need for national long-term care insurance and combating loneliness.
- The Pensioners' Organization criticized parties that failed to present clear commitments for seniors.
Representatives from "change bloc" parties pledged on Sunday to gradually increase old-age pensions and link them to 25% of the average wage. The commitment was made at an election conference organized by the Pensioners' Organization at the Histadrut headquarters, attended by dozens of pensioners and heads of major workplace committees.
Shmuel Mizrahi, chairman of the Pensioners' Organization, which represents 1.3 million pensioners, emphasized the collective power of the elderly vote and the need to prioritize their issues. He highlighted concerns such as the erosion of pensions, the nursing care crisis, the need for national long-term care insurance, and loneliness among the elderly. Mizrahi stressed that seniors who built the country should not have to collect bottles or choose between medicine and food.
MK Gilad Kariv, representing the Democrats, supported raising pensions to 25% of the average wage but acknowledged it must be done gradually. He advocated for universal pensions, strengthening the National Insurance Institute, and ensuring employers' contributions are maintained. Kariv noted the previous "change government's" success in raising income supplements for the most vulnerable seniors.
The Head of the Pensioners' Staff for the Yisrael Beiteinu party of Yisrael Beiteinu stated her party now supports universal pensions, aiming for an initial increase of 1,000 shekels, followed by a gradual rise to 25% of the average wage. She also called for a comprehensive national long-term care insurance plan within seven years, suggesting a universal model supplemented by private savings.
Bruria Naim Arman from the "Yachad" party also committed to raising disability pensions and linking them to 25% of the average wage. She highlighted her party's previous work on aging population preparedness, including combating loneliness and promoting employment for older adults.
Other party representatives, including Inbar Yachzeli Bililus of "Yashar," Eran Ben Ari of "Am Israel," and Dr. Efraim Kahana of "Tzomet Beitar Israel," also addressed the need for increased pensions, improved services, and legislative action for the elderly. They noted the financial challenges and the importance of experienced professionals making policy decisions.
The Pensioners' Organization had invited all competing parties to present their platforms. They noted that Shas, United Torah Judaism, Religious Zionism, Otzma Yehudit, and Likud did not present clear commitments regarding pensioners. The organization vowed to hold parties accountable for their promises after the elections.