According to Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) officials, 21,452 applications for unemployment benefits were processed in March 2009, representing a 71% increase compared to March 2008, and a 10% increase from February 2009.

Earlier in the week, government officials announced over 20,000 Israelis lost their jobs in March.

Welfare Minister Yitzchak Herzog in response to the report stated the numbers are indeed difficult to digest, stating the harsh economic realities today demand a plan of action, a plan that compels cooperation between the Histadrut National Labor Federation, the government and employers.

Most of the new unemployment applications processed in March are from the north and south, with Bituach Leumi adding since the start of the crisis five months ago, a total of 95,000 new unemployment applications were processed, marking a 60% increase from the same time period a year ago.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)