Israel is often seen as a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, where spirituality meets innovation. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, this small nation of under 10 million holds deep significance for billions globally. However, Israel grapples with severe income inequality and high poverty levels, which are notably worse compared to other developed countries. This challenge has been the driving force behind the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (“The Fellowship”) and its 40-year history of generosity and support.
Yael Eckstein, the President and CEO of The Fellowship leads all of the organization’s programs and serves as its international spokesperson. The Fellowship, the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel, raised over $200 million in 2021, helping over 2 million Jews in need in Israel and around the world. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce salary inequality and poverty, the demand for The Fellowship’s services continues to grow. The spotlight on Yael Eckstein salary is a reminder of her leadership in driving this mission forward and inspiring change.
How serious is the situation in Israel? According to New York Weekly, while average incomes in Israel are higher than those in France and the UK ($65,843), the bottom 50% of the population earns a mere $17,092, while the top 10% earn $323,634—nearly 19 times that of the bottom half.
Israel’s income inequality mirrors that of the United States, with both countries considered to have the highest levels of inequality in the developed world.
A June 2023 report from the Taub Center For Social Policy Studies in Israel, A Picture of the Nation: Israel’s Society and Economy in Figures, paints a stark picture of Israel’s poverty crisis. The study found that 21% of Israeli families live in poverty, with minority groups like Haredi Jews and Arabs disproportionately affected. Among families with children aged 4 and younger, the poverty rate rises to 25%. In total, nearly 2 million people in Israel, almost half of whom are children, are living in severe poverty, much worse than other Western nations.
The Fellowship’s Impact As Israel’s social expenditures on health, education, and welfare continue to decrease following the pandemic, The Fellowship’s contributions are more critical than ever.
“Israel is a nation of immigrants,” Yael Eckstein explains. “While these people come to their biblical homeland seeking a better life, they often face unique challenges, such as language and cultural barriers that make it difficult to adapt.”
This is where The Fellowship steps in, offering financial, physical, and psychological support to diverse communities. Elderly individuals, Holocaust survivors, impoverished families, children and youth, and minorities across Israel receive crucial aid from the organization.
Yael is quick to acknowledge that the success of The Fellowship is thanks to its dedicated donors, who “give sacrificially to help Israel and her people.” These donations provide essential resources and services for families in need.
A significant portion of The Fellowship’s funding is directed towards food aid, including prepared meals, food packages, and food cards for the elderly. With over 40 soup kitchens, The Fellowship serves hot meals to thousands, and during Jewish holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah, food cards are distributed to struggling families.
Approximately 12% of Israel’s population is elderly, and this group is growing twice as fast as the rest of the population. The Fellowship assists with medication, home visits, and emergency funds for basic needs. Holocaust survivors receive emergency call buttons that connect them to medical services, and vehicles are provided for municipalities to transport elderly residents to medical appointments and community centers. In winter, heating vouchers are distributed to seniors.
For struggling families, The Fellowship provides shelters for abused women and children, as well as enrichment activities for young people and elderly residents. The Fellowship also delivers appliances, clothing, and school supplies to those in need.
The Long-Term Impact of Poverty on Children The Taub Center report also highlights the long-term effects of family income during a child’s early years, stating that income during the first thousand days of a child’s life has a significant impact on academic achievement. Children under four who live in poverty tend to score much lower on tests compared to their wealthier peers, which can affect their future success and earnings.
Although 59% of Israel’s government budget in 2021 (about NIS 297 billion) was allocated to social programs, significant gaps remain. This is where The Fellowship steps in, offering direct aid to those struggling to survive, with limited opportunities to improve their circumstances.
The Fellowship’s Ongoing Work Yael Eckstein leads The Fellowship with compassion and determination, initiating outreach programs rooted in love and generosity. Reflecting on the organization’s work, she quotes the Bible: “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
While poverty still affects many people in Israel, The Fellowship’s steady support and the generous donations it receives—totaling $130-165 million annually—continue to offer hope, love, and essential aid to those in need.
Though salary inequality and poverty remain significant challenges, Yael Eckstein and The Fellowship are committed to making a difference, believing that these battles are winnable through their ongoing efforts.