2023-08-27 14:39:00
Title: Israel Faces Soaring Cost of Living, Revealing Alarming Statistics
Subtitle: Skyrocketing prices leave citizens struggling to make ends meet
Date: [Current Date]
Israel – A recent report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) confirms what Israelis have long felt in their pockets – the cost of living continues to rise, affecting almost all aspects of daily life. The data shows that Israel has surpassed Switzerland as the most expensive country, with living costs estimated to be 38% higher than the average.
The surge in prices has impacted various essential goods and services, leaving many citizens struggling to cope. Aliza, a 50-year-old resident from Acre, shared her experience with rising prices, stating that products she once used regularly have become unaffordable. She cited examples, such as a concentrate that doubled in price and the cost of fuel, which has increased from 5.5 to 7 shekels per liter in just three years.
The escalating cost of living has forced individuals like Aliza’s daughter, a 24-year-old student, to return home due to financial constraints. Even leisure activities have become increasingly unattainable, as vacations within the country have become exorbitant. The high prices of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants have made it more cost-effective to travel abroad.
Shani, a 21-year-old former soldier, explained that going out with friends has become a significant financial burden. Costly expenses, such as transportation, meals, and alcoholic beverages, have made socializing increasingly costly. Shani expressed concerns about her future as a student and contemplated moving abroad for better opportunities due to the high cost of living in Israel.
Housing affordability has also become a pressing issue. One woman interviewed by Maariv mentioned the need to sell her apartment due to increased interest rates on her mortgage payments. Rising prices for basics like milk, fruit, and meat have made these consumer goods unattainable for many Israeli families, causing frustration and concern.
In an attempt to alleviate the financial burden faced by the less fortunate, multiple associations, including “Hasadi Naomi,” have stepped in to distribute food baskets to needy families and Holocaust survivors across the country. However, even with the support of these organizations, increasing prices have pushed many individuals to the brink of poverty.
Tshuva Kabara, the director of the welfare department at “Hasadi Naomi,” shared heart-wrenching stories of families struggling to provide the simplest necessities for their children. The rising cost of living has forced individuals to meticulously plan every purchase, rationing food and making difficult choices.
Among those in dire need are single parents, ordinary families, and even Holocaust survivors. Kabara recounted the words of one survivor who sadly stated that surviving the Holocaust seemed easier than surviving in modern-day Israel, expressing her dream of being able to afford an apple.
As the cost of living continues to soar in Israel, the government faces mounting pressure to find solutions and ease the financial burden on its citizens. While organizations work tirelessly to provide assistance, a comprehensive approach is needed to address the underlying issues driving the increase in prices and to ensure a more affordable and sustainable future for all Israelis.
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