The drop in living standards, according to Porush (pictured above), is occurring despite an economic upturn that is benefiting only a small fraction of the Israeli public - those who already have relatively high incomes and standard of living.
Porush cites steep price increases in basic commodities such as disposable diapers (5%), laundry detergent (5%), bleach (8%), and fruit juices (3-8%). These are items used extensively by the religious public which generally has large families.
Porush criticized a recent government decision allowing hikes in milk prices, claiming the decision was used by manufacturers as a smokescreen for additional price jumps in products made with milk. Manufacturers of other food products then jumped on the bandwagon and started raising prices of other basic commodities.
Porush wrote to Netanyahu, “The fruits of economic growth in 2004 have not been evenly distributed. A relatively small segment of Israelis has gained from rising incomes and higher standard of living, while most Israelis are benefiting much less from economic growth, with the weakest sectors actually falling behind in terms of their standard of living.”
“This problem, and that of recent price rises in food products, must stand before makers of economic and social policy in the country," wrote Porush. "They must support a more even distribution of national resources, and first and foremost strengthen social services."
Porush cites steep price increases in basic commodities such as disposable diapers (5%), laundry detergent (5%), bleach (8%), and fruit juices (3-8%). These are items used extensively by the religious public which generally has large families.
Porush criticized a recent government decision allowing hikes in milk prices, claiming the decision was used by manufacturers as a smokescreen for additional price jumps in products made with milk. Manufacturers of other food products then jumped on the bandwagon and started raising prices of other basic commodities.
Porush wrote to Netanyahu, “The fruits of economic growth in 2004 have not been evenly distributed. A relatively small segment of Israelis has gained from rising incomes and higher standard of living, while most Israelis are benefiting much less from economic growth, with the weakest sectors actually falling behind in terms of their standard of living.”
“This problem, and that of recent price rises in food products, must stand before makers of economic and social policy in the country," wrote Porush. "They must support a more even distribution of national resources, and first and foremost strengthen social services."