Last update - 00:00 21/11/2007
Israel offers to implement social service system for Palestinians
By Ruth Sinai, Haaretz Correspondent
Israel is offering to help create a social services network for the Palestinians that would be similar to the National Insurance Institute and offer projects for at-risk children, preschool education and care for people with disabilities, among other areas. Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog submitted an outline of a plan for cooperation with the Palestinian Authority to Quartet envoy Tony Blair this week.
Herzog discussed the issue with Blair two weeks ago and came away with the sense that Blair was highly motivated to pursue cooperation in social policy. Officials at Herzog's ministry are hoping that funding for the program will come from the European Union and international organizations.
Specific areas of cooperation have been defined at the Social Affairs Ministry. They include providing guidance, training social workers and drafting laws relating to programs for children at risk, including the establishment of centers for juvenile offenders and families going through divorce. Also on the table is assistance with community services for people with disabilities, promoting informal education frameworks and promoting volunteerism.
In his letter to Blair, Herzog noted that the International Labor Organization has recommended on several occasions the creation of a social security system for the Palestinians. He also offered Israeli assistance with vocational training and the encouragement of employment opportunities.