Thousands of Negev area residents are in Jerusalem this morning where they will spend the day protesting in Rose Garden, opposite Israel\'s Knesset. They are demonstrating against government plans to scrap the Negev Law in the 2002 budget. The Negev Law provides housing and income tax benefits for Israeli residents who reside in the southern section of the country known as the Negev desert. Negev leaders declared a general strike for today, closing all schools, municipal offices and other services, to encourage all residents to participate in the day’s protest events.
Yesterday Over 300 social workers took part in demonstrations outside the Prime Minister’s Office protesting planned budgetary cuts for welfare services. One social worker expressed outrage that Members of Knesset are permitted a monthly cellular telephone bill of 1,500 shekels, the same amount as the monthly living stipend of many disabled persons.
Strike organizers for the disabled continue talks today with government representatives. After three weeks of protest, direct contacts between the sides began only yesterday. They are calling the latest government offer a \"joke.\" The disabled currently receive an average of 1,740 NIS per month (approx $400), and they are demanding almost double. Finance officials have agreed to improve benefits for 20,000 disabled who are incapacitated.
Yesterday Over 300 social workers took part in demonstrations outside the Prime Minister’s Office protesting planned budgetary cuts for welfare services. One social worker expressed outrage that Members of Knesset are permitted a monthly cellular telephone bill of 1,500 shekels, the same amount as the monthly living stipend of many disabled persons.
Strike organizers for the disabled continue talks today with government representatives. After three weeks of protest, direct contacts between the sides began only yesterday. They are calling the latest government offer a \"joke.\" The disabled currently receive an average of 1,740 NIS per month (approx $400), and they are demanding almost double. Finance officials have agreed to improve benefits for 20,000 disabled who are incapacitated.