Israel is considering cutting financial stipends for new immigrants as part of its proposed wartime budget for next year. The government is looking to reduce immigration benefits, along with other cuts to public services, and tax increases to fund ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The proposed cuts would require prospective immigrants to declare their assets, with those worth more than 500,000 shekels ineligible for payments. However, those below the threshold may see a 10% increase in assistance.
The financial assistance for new immigrants, which can exceed $15,000 for a family, helps cover living costs during the initial months in Israel. Other benefits include tax exemptions, language instruction, and health coverage. While cuts to immigrant assistance have been proposed before, they have rarely been implemented. The budget package now awaits parliamentary approval by March 2025.
Opponents of the cuts argue that reducing benefits could deter Jewish immigration at a crucial time. Some lawmakers, like Oded Forer, believe that Israel should be welcoming new immigrants, especially during wartime when every Jewish recruit is valuable. Avichai Kahana, the director general of the Immigration Ministry, also advocates for increased support for Jewish immigrants amid rising global anti-Semitism.
The recent spike in applications for aliyah, particularly from Americans, underscores the significance of Jewish immigration to Israel. However, the proposed cuts have raised concerns among prospective immigrants like Alison Keehn, who is determined to move to Israel despite the financial challenges. The Finance Ministry defends the cuts as necessary to reduce the budget deficit, aiming to minimize the impact on vulnerable populations.
With ongoing military conflicts and increasing demand for Jewish immigration, the debate over immigrant benefits in Israel highlights the country’s commitment to welcoming new arrivals during challenging times.