As a 26 year-old who came to Israel (July `06) completely alone, without family and friends, without an income, without knowing Hebrew, I have to say that the (very small) stipend I received from the Ministry of Absorption was completely necessary. With this allowance (which lasted over seven months), I was able to buy myself supplies for school, pay part of my rent, arnona, electric., and was able to afford food and some furniture. With all of the other stresses and fears of moving here alone, I now really appreciate that I didn`t have to worry about affording myself a place to live in a decent neighborhood.
And isn`t there a large enough budget for the other national problems mentioned here? Mr. Orenstein may want to keep his cookie jars in order - the money shouldn`t be taken from young, hopeful people like me, who are very much "deterred" by enormous doctor bills. But `kol ha kavod,` anyway - some people (especially those with money), just know how to keep their ideals in check. |
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