Minister of Industry and Trade (Labor) Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, spoke with Kol Chai Radio on Wednesday night, explaining he has always placed an emphasis on assisting in creating suitable jobs for the chareidi community instead of bad-mouthing or criticizing, explaining that one must exhibit sensitivity to the community’s religious values and way of life, which must also translate to the workplace. He added that he has been successful in Modi’in Illit and Betar, and he realizes this same success may translate to other communities while permitting the chareidi community to maintain its tradition and way of life.
Ben-Eliezer explains that he sees more productivity by acknowledging the realities of the chareidi education system rather than going head to head, demanding changes that simply are deemed unacceptable. Towards advancing his goals, he met with a number of government officials, representatives of the chareidi communities, including Housing Minister (Shas) Ariel Atias, Interior Minister (Shas) Eli Yishai, Deputy Education Minister (Yahadut HaTorah) Meir Porush, Deputy Health Minister (Yahadut HaTorah) Yaakov Litzman, MK (Yahadut HaTorah) Moshe Gafne and others.
“We realize we are on the same page, looking to find jobs for the community” he stated, speaking of a steering committee that is composed of representatives of various chareidi communities working in tandem towards developing suitable work places.
The minister explains that there are certain realities, including employers who simply do not want chareidi workers, some because of the special accommodations such as segregation between men and women. On the other hand, some of the companies are singing songs of praise for their chareidi workers, such as the cellular telephone companies, having realized the contribution these highly motivated workers are capable of making towards a company.
When asked if his enthusiasm is shared by treasury officials, Ben-Eliezer explains some have learned the success seen in the past is the best measure to justify spending, adding there is also the realization regarding limited secular education and the need for training, and to date, they have been successful in providing specialized training to permit chareidim to enter various spheres of the workplace. Ben-Eliezer promises to continue working and meeting, and he added that in Arad it worked as well “and wherever we have tried similar programs we have seen success and therefore, we must continue in the same direction”.
Avraham Schwartz, a former director-general of the Minister of Social Service & Welfare, to implement a true change in the workplace, one may only use the tools in hand. Schwartz complimented Ben-Eliezer, explaining that in the past 18 months, the minister summoned him and Porush on numerous occasions to discuss moving forward towards creating jobs. He shares Ben-Eliezer’s optimism and feels the minister is indeed on the correct path and his programs must continue towards introducing additional members of the chareidi community into the workplace.
Schwartz adds there must be incentives from the government, for if a mother wishes to work and she has the capability of earning NIS 5,000, it simply is not worth her while since daycare and other costs make leaving the home to work less than worth her while. He feels there must be packages that provide incentives for both the workers and employers.
He stresses the meeting, the kenos as he called it is “not to threaten the chareidi lifestyle” but to extend a helping hand to those who have announced they too would like to enter the workplace.
Addressing those who work off the books, Schwartz believes in most cases, people prefer a proper job, working ‘clean’ as he put it, which in most cases results in a steady income that permits running one’s home in the fashion one prefers.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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4 Responses
My name is Reuven Weinreb, I live in Israel now (Modin Illit) for almost two years(6/2/2010 will be two years). I do not know what Binyamin Ben-Eliezer is talking about!! Since I have been here I have been looking for work. The non religious are always crying that the “Chareidi” do not want to work but, I am not working because the non religious do not want to give me work !! I have even been to the “Employment Centers for Olim” (you must be on top of them always calling them and pushing them to help you)they looked in to getting me work in Hadassah Ein Keren, and was told they are looking for people. When I called I was told they are looking and should come in, when I got there and they saw me (a “Chareidi”) I guess my beard changed there mind. Why is it when a “Chareidi” woman does get a job, they are only given the jobs that pay very low wages even if they have the training?!?!
Reuven – I am also in Modiin Elite (and am working). You are correct in what you say. What is also absurd is that all the companies here – Matrix; CityBooks; CAL; etc are only for women. Surely Ben-Eliezer’s intention is to get the men working, so how can he deem these places as “successful”?
I wish you luck – keep trying. Sometimes starting with the “graveyard shift” jobs such as Greenpoint, IDT, etc are successful because they give you a foot in the door. Also keep on top of agencies – you have to be Israeli in these sitations – push, push, push.
One more idea – post that you are looking for work on the Modiin Elite email list, mentioning what you are looking for. This list is getting more exposure every week, and you never know from where your salvation will come . . .
Reuven – Hatzlacha on getting and job and especially since you made aliyah (right?) – it must be hard. Your right also about the industries for women, its because the men are supposed to be learning full time. It is a niche industry created for the needs of the charadei community. You may want to swap out your clothes – chino pants and a casual shirt. It just may help. Remember the chachamim used to do the some of the craziest/worst jobs. I am sure they were not worried about what they wore.
It is nice to hear a story like this since there are sooo many people who do not hesitate say “wicked government” as so forth.
Reuven – Hatzlocha Rabah!!