The Convention for Eradicating Poverty

As an organization representing the civilian society from a consensual standpoint, we feel obligated to exert as much influence as possible and to lead the battle against poverty.  The government must take responsibility for taking care of the problem and the parties must convert their campaigning promises into deeds.

We call on the government to commit to a budget that will invest in finding a solution for poverty over a number of years and define  sources for obtaining the required resources.

We call on the Prime Minister, ministers, party leaders and Knesset members to adopt the basic principles of the convention, which should provide the foundations for a program for eradicating poverty from the Israeli society:

1.       It is a basic right that every individual will be capable of obtaining basic survival needs – food and medication.  The government must provide every citizen, even if he lives in poverty, with the appropriate tools for purchasing minimum food products and medication required to survive.  Appropriate legislation must be promoted on this issue.

2.       Declaring poverty as the most urgent issue on the national agenda of the Israeli society.

3.       Commitment to reducing the poverty rates by at least 30% in 4 years (7.5% each year), while providing the public with an ongoing progress report.  This plan requires the definition of concrete and quantifiable milestones for minimizing poverty, enabling the public to determine whether or not the government is meeting its commitments.

4.       The plan for fighting against poverty will be based on providing for the welfare of citizens and providing an immediate solution for anyone requiring emergency physical assistance.  The plan will be formulated with the understanding that the long term solution will require the development of infrastructures and investment of resources as well as the development of “hooks” and infrastructural programs in the field of employment and education.  It is important to remember that there are thousands of Israelis who need “fish” in order to survive.  The burden is currently borne by non-profit and voluntary organizations that are facing collapse and which are unable to provide a comprehensive solution.  The government must take responsibility and immediately allocate resources toward providing the required assistance on its own or through the chain of non-profit organizations operating around the country.

5.       Implementing a solution to the plight of poverty as a mission for the entire Israeli society and not a pertinant to specific classes.  Attempting to channel the plight of poverty into a war between the rich and the poor, or between sectors, will lead to a rift in society.

6.       The program will address those who cannot subsist independently – creating equal opportunity for children, providing the elderly with the capacity to subsist with dignity, helping those who are unable to join or return to the employment market.

7.       The means for solving the problem lie in the establishment of a national entity to battle poverty, led by the prime minister and conducted with representatives of the three sectors – public, business and the social non-profit, sector.  It is only in this manner that the entire economy can be harnessed towards a joint effort, a pool of resources and the formulation and implementation of operative measures towards eradicating poverty.

Latet undertakes not to accept any governmental aid for itself in the allocation of resources to the non-profit organizations.