Finance Minister Yair Lapid on Thursday morning, Rosh Chodesh Shevat 5774 met with student union members at an event attended by National Student Union leader Ori Rashtik. Lapid used the forum to announce funding for 5,000 student dorms nationwide at a cost of 160 million NIS. Lapid explained it is part of the treasury’s overall effort to lower the cost of housing in Israel, which includes university students.

Lapid told student representatives this is his goal and this is the reason his office was required to cut spending in so many areas. The minister explained he plans to see 5,000 units built by 2016 which includes 1,000 in outlying areas and 4,000 in more central areas. He told participants that he is aware in the past there were many unfulfilled promises and that is why he is not making empty promises but plans that have been approved by the relevant agencies.

Rashtik said that until now, the university students, which represent the future hope of the nation, have been busying themselves with studies and surviving and for the most part, they have not been able to live a dignified life while in university.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)