The adolescent population of the State of Israel presents a “problem of grave proportions” because the shortage of funds prevents about 43,000 of them from attending school or finding employment, according to Ellis Radinsky, executive director of the United Israel Appeal. He spoke to 500 women at a Hotel Astor brunch, sponsored by the Women’s American ORT today in behalf of the 1954 campaign of the United Jewish Appeal.
Mr. Radinsky referred to the young people of Israel as the “deficit generation” because they are “among the unfortunate victims of Israel’s current economic dislocation, which is responsible for their idleness and the resulting cases of juvenile delinquency.” The incidence of juvenile delinquency in Israel is rising although the general crime rate is falling, he said.
Secondary education for young people in Israel presents a problem because parents must contribute to its cost. Of a total adolescent population of 93,000 only 15,000 are attending high school. However, with elementary education compulsory and free, the number of pupils has almost trebled to 215,000 since Israel attained statehood, Mr. Radinsky pointed out.
The Jewish Agency provides one hot meal a day – more than half their nutritional intake, in most cases – for thousands of recently arrived children whose parents’ incomes are very small, he reported. At present, 1,000 immigrant youths of high school age are going to school on scholarships provided by the Jewish Agency. There are 3,500 students in 19 ORT vocational schools in Israel.
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