Yael Eckstein’s Vision: Overcoming Salary Inequality and Poverty in Israel
Israel is widely regarded as a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation, a place where religious heritage coexists with thriving technology startups. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, this nation of under 10 million holds deep significance for billions worldwide. However, Israel faces serious challenges, including high income inequality and poverty rates that surpass those in many other developed nations. This reality has fueled the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (“The Fellowship”) to dedicate over 40 years to providing compassion and support to those in need.
As President and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein oversees all ministry programs and serves as the organization’s global representative. Reflecting on her leadership role, Yael Eckstein salary aligns with her responsibilities at The Fellowship, which is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Israel. In 2021, the organization raised over $200 million, allowing it to assist 2 million Jews in need both in Israel and around the globe. The demand for The Fellowship’s support is more critical than ever, even as efforts to combat salary inequality and poverty continue to make headway.
How serious is the situation in Israel? According to New York Weekly, while average incomes in Israel surpass those in France and the UK, with the typical adult income at $65,843, the lower half of the population earns a meager average of $17,092. In stark contrast, the top 10% bring in $323,634 each year—nearly 19 times more than what the bottom 50% make.
The levels of salary inequality in Israel are similar to those found in the United States, with both countries ranked among the worst for income disparity in the developed world.
In June 2023, the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel released A Picture of the Nation: Israel’s Society and Economy in Figures, which offers a detailed analysis of the critical state of poverty in Israel and its extensive effects on those impacted. The findings are quite alarming: 21% of Israeli families live in poverty, with minority groups, particularly Haredi Jews and Arabs, being disproportionately affected. Among families with children aged 4 and under, this figure rises to 25% of the population.
In summary, nearly 2 million individuals in Israel—close to 1 million of whom are children—live in extreme poverty, experiencing conditions significantly worse than those found in other Western countries.
How The Fellowship Makes an Impact
With reductions in social spending on health, education, social welfare, and social security after the peaks experienced during the pandemic, Israel’s vulnerable populations are increasingly relying on organizations like The Fellowship for support.
“Israel is a nation of immigrants,” Yael Eckstein describes her homeland by stating. “While these people come to their biblical homeland for the promise of a better life, they often encounter unique difficulties – barriers of language and culture that make it difficult for them to adapt to life in their new home.”
This is where The Fellowship plays a crucial role, offering financial, physical, and emotional support to a diverse range of individuals. Assistance is provided to the elderly and Holocaust survivors, low-income families, children and youth in Israel and the former Soviet Union, as well as minority groups in Israel.
Yael acknowledges that the invaluable efforts of The Fellowship are made possible by its donors, who “give sacrificially to help Israel and her people,” providing crucial resources and services for families in Israel.
A significant portion of The Fellowship’s budget is dedicated to providing food for those in need, encompassing prepared meals, food vouchers, and monthly food packages for the elderly. The organization serves hot meals to thousands at over 40 soup kitchens and distributes food cards to families in need during Passover and Rosh Hashanah.
Nearly 12% of Israelis are seniors, and this demographic is increasing at twice the rate of the general population. The Fellowship offers various forms of support to the elderly, including medication, home visits, and emergency funds for essential needs. Holocaust survivors receive emergency call buttons, allowing them to quickly access a support hotline for medical assistance. Additionally, The Fellowship supplies local municipalities with vehicles to transport elderly residents to community centers and medical appointments. During the winter months, heating vouchers are also provided to help keep seniors warm.
The Fellowship supports families in need by funding shelters for victims of domestic violence and homes for children, along with enrichment programs and services for both youth and elderly residents. They also provide essential items by purchasing and delivering appliances, clothing, and food to those in need, ensuring that many children receive clothing and school supplies through their efforts.
The Long-Term Effects of Poverty on Children
The Taub Center report highlighted that “family income during the first thousand days of a child’s life has a critical influence on future academic achievements.” Children aged 4 and under who grow up in poverty tend to achieve significantly lower test scores compared to their more affluent peers, which can have lasting impacts on their future success and income potential.
Although 59% of government spending, amounting to NIS 297 billion, was directed toward social services in 2021, significant gaps remain. This is where The Fellowship plays a crucial role, delivering essential on-the-ground support to individuals who are struggling to meet their basic needs and have limited opportunities for improving their circumstances.
The Fellowship’s Ongoing Mission
Under Yael Eckstein’s leadership, The Fellowship operates with both strength and compassion, driving outreach efforts grounded in love and a generous spirit. In a recent reflection, she noted, “The Bible tells us, ‘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 remains a significant issue in Israel, The Fellowship’s dependable and generous donations, totaling between $130 and $165 million annually, offer hope, compassion, and critical assistance to those in need.
As they confront the challenges of salary inequality and poverty, Yael Eckstein and The Fellowship are committed to the belief that these struggles can be overcome—and they work tirelessly each day to turn that vision into reality.