The state on Tuesday 28 Cheshvan 5773 was compelled to respond to the Supreme Court regarding the petition questioning why the state continues to provide funding for avreichim. The National Student Union and Center of Jewish Pluralism filed the motion against the state, calling the funding discriminatory against university students and others.

The court does not accept the state’s reasoning that the funding is an incentive towards promoting the avreichim to get up and join the workforce. Justice Miriam Naor questioned “How does giving one a monthly stipend encouraging getting out and working. Logic dictates if you stop the funding the person will have to find employment.”

The state explained the funds are given for a defined period of four years, which it views as a transition period after which the avreich will seek employment.

In July 2010, following a decade of debate, the High Court ruled that supplementary income payments to avreichim from the national government are illegal because the payments crease a discriminatory situation between various sectors Israeli society. The government however decided to continue the supplementary income payments even after the Tal Law expired. Following the abolition of the Tal Law, the payments no longer fell under any legal framework.

In line with the cabinet’s decision avreichim will continue to receive funding for the next three years, referring to married men with 3 or more children. Anyone under 29 who is married with 3 children or more and with a monthly income under 1,200 NIS and without a car may receive 1,040 NIS monthly for four years.

The state was given a week to present its case after which the court will issue its ruling.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)