National Service NGO Warns of Major Cuts Amid Rising Demand for Positions

Eran Walak, CEO of the national service NGO Bat Ami, warned in an interview with Channel 7 about severe damage to the education and welfare systems due to planned cuts in national service positions. The cuts, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth on Tuesday, involve a reduction of approximately 2,000 positions in the National Service Division of the Ministry of Education. Walak highlighted a troubling trend where demand for national service among young women is increasing by 5%, yet the number of available positions is shrinking, effectively halving the education-related national service slots.

Walak emphasized the critical role these service members play in national resilience, especially now, providing not only practical support but also valuable energy to various sectors. He warned that the reduction of 2,000 service positions would lead to fewer resources for education and create uncertainty for coordinators and housing arrangements just weeks before the new service year begins. He expressed concern that many young women might seek alternatives in the military or other fields if commitments are not secured.

Providing context, Walak noted that about 20,000 volunteers serve in national service, with roughly half from the religious Zionist community, alongside others who serve due to medical exemptions or other reasons. He pointed out that demand is rising not only in security-related roles but also in health and education sectors. Walak refrained from engaging in political disputes but urged decision-makers to recognize that the NGO is funded by the National Service Authority and government ministries, and should not be used as a political tool.

The Ministry of Education responded that the cuts stem from a lack of budget adjustment despite increased activity and broad budget cuts, and that efforts are underway with the Finance Ministry to resolve the funding gap. The Finance Ministry stated that decisions on national service positions in education fall under the Ministry of Education’s responsibility, denied making cuts, and called for explanations regarding the proposed reductions and the allocation of funds following a government decision to regulate this component.