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Gil Mildar
As the song says, a Latin American with no money in his pocket.

Straight Talk

Let’s discuss the upcoming elections in Israel and how the cost of living impacts everyone. Whether you’re interested in politics or prefer to avoid it, the reality of what we pay to live in our own country affects each of us deeply.

Over the past twenty years, the cost of living in Israel has soared to levels that often seem unbearable. Today, Israel leads the OECD ranking as the country with the highest cost of living, standing 38% above the average of other member countries. For many, buying an apartment has become an increasingly distant dream. For instance, the average price of an apartment in Tel Aviv has surpassed 2 million shekels (approximately $600,000). With the current minimum wage of around 5,880 shekels per month, one would need to work nearly 340 months or 28 years to afford an apartment—assuming the entire income was dedicated solely to this goal, which is impossible.

The disparity between social classes has also widened. Today, 21% of the Israeli population lives below the poverty line, a reality even harsher for children, with 33% living in such conditions. This increase in inequality is fueled by policies that often benefit the rich and powerful while leaving the most vulnerable behind.

Public infrastructure is also in decline. The healthcare system, for example, faces budget cuts, which reduced its share of GDP from 7.5% in 2004 to 6.5% in 2024. This has resulted in overcrowded hospitals and healthcare professionals working under extreme pressure. Education, essential for the country’s future, is similarly underfunded. With only 5.8% of GDP invested in education, Israel is among the OECD countries with the lowest investment in this sector. Students in peripheral areas face an unequal educational system, with fewer opportunities for success than their peers in wealthier areas.

Additionally, Israel’s national budget significantly allocates funds to religious institutions, mainly due to coalition agreements with ultra-Orthodox parties. In 2024, approximately $1.4 billion was specifically allocated to support Haredi institutions, representing a substantial portion of the total budget of 514 billion shekels (around $139 billion). This funding includes an additional 480 million shekels transferred from other ministries, including health and education, to support religious institutions, further exacerbating inequality and the sense of injustice among citizens.

So, I ask you: is it worth letting others speak for you? Letting others decide your fate when the facts show that the current leadership does not serve the people’s interests? Allowing others to speak for you means distorting your words and ideals. It would help to take responsibility for your life and loved ones. Do not depend on a guarantor who doesn’t even know your name to convey what you want.

Democracy allows us to correct our course, demand accountability, and seek leadership that truly represents us. In this election, make your voice heard. Do not let the mistakes of the past repeat themselves. Do not let empty rhetoric replace real action. Take control of your future.

Never let someone speak for you. Your words are your most potent weapons. Use them.

About the Author
As a Brazilian, Jewish, and humanist writer, I embody a rich cultural blend that influences my worldview and actions. Six years ago, I made the significant decision to move to Israel, a journey that not only connects me to my ancestral roots but also positions me as an active participant in an ongoing dialogue between the past, present, and future. My Latin American heritage and life in Israel have instilled a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice. Through my writing, I delve into themes of authoritarianism, memory, and resistance, aiming not just to reflect on history but to actively contribute to the shaping of a more just and equitable future. My work is an invitation for reflection and action, aspiring to advance human dignity above all.
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