"The Growing Crisis: Poverty, Food Insecurity, and At-Risk Youth in Israel"

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Report on Poverty, Food Insecurity, and At-Risk Youth in Israel​

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Introduction

Recent reports reveal a concerning and worsening crisis in Israel, with significant portions of the population, including children and adolescents, living in poverty, facing food insecurity, and grappling with severe social and psychological challenges. This document outlines the alarming statistics, contributing factors, and shortcomings of current interventions aimed at addressing these issues.

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Section 1: Poverty and Food Insecurity

• 2.1 million Israelis, including 1 million children, live below the poverty line.

• 18.5% of the population faces food insecurity, a 2% increase from the previous year, amounting to over 1.6 million individuals.

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Among those receiving aid from welfare organizations:

• 29.4% reported weight loss due to insufficient access to food.

• 12% resorted to rummaging through garbage bins for scraps, a rise from 9% the previous year.

• 27.9% of recipients stated that their children frequently went to school without lunch, marking a dramatic 16-point increase since 2018.

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Despite these alarming figures, 79.8% of those receiving food aid have at least one employed household provider, and one-fifth have two or more working family members. This highlights the inadequacy of income levels to meet basic living needs.

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Section 2: Homelessness and Vulnerable Youth

The plight of homeless and vulnerable youth in Israel has also reached critical levels. In 2023, there were over 40,000 homeless youth, a stark increase compared to previous years. Of these:

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• 24% sleep on the streets, in public parks, or other unsafe locations.

• 6% reside in dangerous environments, such as abusive homes or with strangers in exchange for sexual services.

• 588 youth reported self-inflicted injuries, including cuts and burns, with self-harm and suicide rates being three times higher among girls than boys.

• 4% were involved in prostitution, with girls affected at three times the rate of boys.

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Organizations assisting at-risk youth have observed that many minors involved in prostitution are unaware of their circumstances, as the phenomenon increasingly occurs through hidden channels such as online chat rooms, closed social media groups, and dating sites, making detection and intervention even more challenging.

In 2023, over 9,000 youth sought psychological support, resulting in 1,860 therapeutic interventions. However, the demand far outpaces available resources, leaving many without adequate assistance.

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Section 3: Adolescents at Risk

A 2023 government report estimates that nearly one-third of Israel’s adolescents are at risk. Key findings include:

• 80% of at-risk teens have experienced sexual violence, with incidents doubling over the past year and disproportionately affecting girls.

• 25% of adolescents at risk use drugs, with some starting as young as 12 years old.

• 10% of teens (approximately 90,000 individuals) face severe challenges, including suicidal thoughts, emotional instability, and family dysfunction.

• 4% (32,000 teens) have disengaged from societal frameworks, leading to crime, homelessness, and addiction.

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Among all teens who reached out for help, one in five reported experiencing nonsexual violence in the home, community, or online. This figure doubles for adolescents classified as at risk.

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Section 4: Challenges in Addressing the Crisis

Despite the efforts of numerous organizations, the situation continues to deteriorate. Research by The Balance International identifies systemic shortcomings in the approaches of these organizations, which typically fall into the following categories:

Uninvolved Leadership:

Many organizations hire driven individuals to lead initiatives, but these leaders often operate under uninvolved boards of directors. Tasks are delegated to young, inexperienced social workers, who, despite their academic training, struggle to connect with at-risk youth due to a lack of real-world experience. These social workers often impose rigid boundaries, overanalyze situations, and provide limited coping tools, alienating the very youth they aim to help.

Religious-Driven Agendas:

Organizations led by respected rabbinical figures often focus on guiding teenagers toward religious observance. While programs are marketed as non-coercive, they frequently emphasize religious activities to secure donor interest. However, when faced with critical issues, the lack of qualified staff and practical solutions often results in the loss of at-risk youth.

Government-Involved Initiatives:

Some organizations secure government funding, which imposes strict protocols and regulations. These include placing teens in poorly managed foster homes or having them arrested for minor infractions. Staff, often behavioral specialists, lack personal experience with the challenges faced by at-risk youth, resulting in impersonal relationships and a cycle of dependence on free resources without meaningful behavioral improvement.

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Conclusion and Recommendations

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The escalating crises of poverty, food insecurity, and at-risk youth in Israel demand immediate, effective, and sustainable interventions. The Balance recognizes the urgency of these issues and is fully committed to addressing them with the seriousness and dedication they require. Current approaches have proven insufficient due to systemic flaws, such as inexperienced staff, overly rigid frameworks, and a lack of personalized care. To combat these challenges and create lasting change, The Balance is committed to implementing the following recommendations:

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Enhance Staff Training and Recruitment

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At The Balance, we understand that effective intervention begins with the right people. We are dedicated to recruiting staff with previous experience working directly with at-risk youth and those facing difficult circumstances. We will invest in continuous professional development for our team, focusing on building empathy, cultural competence, and adaptive intervention strategies to better connect with and support the youth we serve. By drawing from the valuable insights and experience of our staff, we can foster meaningful change for vulnerable youth.

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Diversify Leadership Models

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To ensure that our programs and interventions are both informed and responsive, The Balance is committed to diversifying our leadership models. We will actively involve boards of directors and leadership teams with a wide range of experience and expertise in youth advocacy and addressing the needs of at-risk populations. By drawing on the collective knowledge of experienced leaders, we can make decisions that are truly aligned with the needs of at-risk youth, creating an environment where these young individuals receive the support and guidance they deserve.

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Shift Focus from Religious Agendas

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While The Balance recognizes the importance of cultural and religious values in the lives of many Israeli youth, we remain resolutely focused on addressing the immediate physical, emotional, and psychological needs of at-risk youth. We will prioritize programs that provide real solutions, free from coercive agendas, ensuring that our interventions are tailored to the unique challenges these youth face. We are committed to offering comprehensive support that empowers and uplifts, regardless of religious or cultural background.

The Balance is fully committed to tackling the deep-rooted issues of poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness among Israel’s youth. By implementing these recommendations, we believe we can make meaningful progress in improving the lives of vulnerable youth and ensuring a brighter future for all.