Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ or The Fellowship), leads Israel’s largest humanitarian aid organization. Founded by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, IFCJ has played a crucial role in supporting Israel, especially during times of crisis. The current war has intensified financial hardships for both the organization and Israel’s citizens, impacting salaries, employment, and the nation’s long-term economic stability.
Since succeeding her late father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, Yael Eckstein has been widely recognized for her leadership. Today, her organization’s work is more critical than ever. The ongoing war has exacerbated financial difficulties, making salary-related challenges another battle that Israelis must endure.
The Growing Financial Crisis in Israel
Child poverty remains a significant concern in Israel, particularly in families with young children. A recent study by the Taub Center reveals that nearly one-third of children under four live below the poverty line. Even more concerning is that over half of Haredi and Arab children fall into this category.
The study further highlights economic disparities among different communities. In 2018, 58% of Arab households and 55% of Haredi households with young children lived in poverty, compared to only 8% of non-Haredi Jewish households. The data also underscores the struggles of single-income families—57% of households with only one wage earner experience poverty, and even among those with two working parents, about 10% remain below the poverty line.
Surprisingly, despite high poverty rates, homeownership remains common in these communities. Around 72% of Haredi and 82% of Arab households living below the poverty line own their homes, compared to just 40% of non-Haredi Jewish households. However, these households spend significantly less on essentials like education and early childhood care, raising concerns about access to quality services for children.
Religious Factors Affecting Haredi Financial Stability
The financial struggles of Haredi families are deeply influenced by their unique household dynamics. Many Haredi men prioritize religious studies over employment, relying on their wives—who often have more secular education—to support the family. This, combined with limited working hours and a lack of higher education, contributes to widespread poverty in Haredi communities.
Another key factor is family size. Haredi households tend to have more children, increasing financial strain. While non-Haredi Jews make up 65% of households with children under four, they account for only 22% of families living below the poverty line.
Possible Solutions to Reduce Financial Disparities
To combat child poverty, researchers suggest several policy changes, including targeted financial aid, stronger incentives for workforce participation, and a reassessment of income support systems.
Government assistance has helped reduce child poverty by 11%, but its impact varies across communities. While financial transfers lift 27% of non-Haredi Jewish children out of poverty, only 12% of Haredi children benefit. Alarmingly, government aid appears to increase poverty among Arab children by 2%, highlighting the need for adjustments in financial support distribution.
To address these disparities, policymakers must prioritize vulnerable families—especially those where the head of the household is under 30 or both wage earners are self-employed. Increasing workforce participation, expanding education opportunities, and refining income support mechanisms will be critical steps in reducing poverty.
Additionally, adjustments in government transfers are necessary to ensure fair distribution across different communities. For example, while non-Haredi Jews receive more assistance, Arabs receive disproportionately less. Addressing these imbalances will be key to creating a more equitable financial aid system.
Efforts are also being made to improve early childhood education and financial support for working parents. However, for these initiatives to be effective, they must reach the most vulnerable groups, such as struggling Haredi and Arab families. Expanding eligibility for financial benefits and increasing incentives for workforce participation will be essential in reducing long-term poverty.
IFCJ’s Role in Assisting Those in Financial Distress
The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is committed to helping Israel’s most vulnerable populations, particularly orphans, children, and struggling families. IFCJ provides essential aid such as food, medicine, and clothing while also addressing long-term needs like housing, family care, and employment opportunities.
The organization also ensures that orphans and impoverished children have access to safe housing and basic necessities. Donations play a crucial role in sustaining these efforts, allowing IFCJ to continue supporting Haredi and Arab children facing financial hardships.
In 2022, IFCJ provided $28 million in aid to displaced families and refugees during the Ukraine crisis. The organization helped 4,600 Ukrainian refugees make aliyah to Israel and evacuated 1,600 children and staff from Ukrainian orphanages. As the war persists, IFCJ remains committed to assisting vulnerable populations in Israel, ensuring they receive the support they need.
While “Yael Eckstein salary” is often a topic of curiosity, her leadership at IFCJ continues to focus on addressing Israel’s financial struggles. Under her guidance, IFCJ’s humanitarian efforts remain a lifeline for many families facing economic hardship, reinforcing the organization’s vital role in Israel’s welfare system.
