Israel – Close to half of Israelis – 46 percent – will be forced to cut down on shopping for the holidays this year due to financial constraints, according to a survey released by the Shahaf Foundation, which works to “develop and promote a national movement of young socially active communities” in Israel, ahead of Rosh Hashanah.
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According to the survey, which included 500 respondents and was conducted for the foundation by the GeoCartography Institute, new clothes and children’s gifts represent the main concessions respondents reported having to make this year.
About 28% reported that they will purchased less clothes or forgo the expense altogether and 22% said that they will buy fewer or no gifts for children.
The report also shows that despite this, the holiday table is not expected to suffer as a result of the economic situation as 88% of respondents said they do not intend to reduce their consumption of meat for the Rosh Hashanah dinner, 92% will not cut back on wine and 93% intend to buy the same amount of fish and chicken bought in previous years for the holiday.
In addition, 93% of participants said that they do not plan to reduce their consumption of honey and 95% do not intend to give up or cut back on purchasing apples.
For respondents earning an income below the national average, 65% of them admitted they will forgo or reduce their food expenses this year. A quarter of the low-income earners said they would cut back on meat.
The report also revealed that religious and ultra-Orthodox participants are more likely to make the cuts than their secular counterparts.
“The economic disparities among disadvantaged populations are growing strong and many families are forced to reduce holiday shopping and purchase only the necessary products,” CEO of the Shahaf Foundation Dr. Haia Jamshy said in a statement.
Jamshy added that the Shahaf Foundation supports young communities in the periphery with the goal to reduce the gaps between the center and the periphery in Israel.
“Among other things, these communities work to allow everyone to enjoy holiday meals, social activities and a high level of education without having to spend colossal amounts of money,” Jamshy said, “The change that these communities offer is essential these days, when many residents of Israel, especially in the peripheral areas, are living under a heavy financial burden. ”
Content is provided courtesy of the Jerusalem Post
This article is so far removed from the truth i see packed shopping carts wherever i go
cut down on what? paying dues and fees in shul, rebbes kvitol -pidyon, honig, pomerantz, cleaning your tales and kutel, tzedaka, esrig lulav, sucah, maczorim, chol hamoid rides for the kids, yom tov guest etc. etc. not to mention atleast 21+ full course yom tov sedus mitzvahs!
And here in America, we are cutting back huge amounts! No new clothes for the yom tov and making much simpler meals in my family and in many others I have spoken to! We cannot afford it, especially with rising healthcare costs looming over us as well as increased taxes and a crushed economy.