While Israel is not among the developed countries with a high percentage of homeless people (less than 0.02% of the population according to 2019 data), there are still some issues on this front. Thankfully, the nation has been dealing with them successfully since the 2000s. Today, The Gagon (for “Rooftop”) is a new-generation shelter close to the sea. Honoring the name of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s battle against homelessness inspired many to help those around them.
Why is that a big deal for the city?
Israel is the country with one of the lowest percentages of the homeless population. In many ways, it is one of the most prosperous nations in this particular regard, with the overwhelming majority of citizens not experiencing poverty or homelessness. At the same time, the data indicates that over 2000 people in the country are homeless, with over 600 registered in Tel Aviv alone, creating a critical priority for local authorities to act.
Society should never forget that homelessness is not always a consequence of economic policies. A recent report states that most homeless people suffer from mental issues and drug abuse. However, it does not say that we do not have any obligations to help those in need or that we should ignore people who stumbled their way into the streets.
In 2022, the number of people receiving government assistance due to homelessness increased to 2,250 (a 5% year-to-year increase). In addition, COVID-19 created new economic pressures forcing many people out of their homes due to the inability to pay rent or utilities.
Another big issue that many people ignore is the number of immigrants from the USSR that arrived in the 1990s. During that period, many intellectuals from the region could receive jobs. Still, the economic crisis in the 2000s forced many local businesses to cut many staffers, and among those who lost everything, many turned out to be USSR immigrants. Unfortunately, the following several years did not fix the situation, and the Pandemic sealed the deal for many.
Eckstein’s legacy lives on.
The original Gagon replaces the old shelter with a new facility that offers lodging, meals, and culturally enriching entertainment to several hundred homeless residents of Tel Aviv. The 1500 square meters facility is situated on Elizabeth Berger Street close to the sea shore with a beautiful view and will be able to provide beds and food to 144 visitors at once.
It is the most extensive facility in the city and the country. The building was designed by Yoav Messer, a local architect working with the charity foundation established by Eckstein in 1983. Now, it is under the management of his daughter, who, alongside other charity workers and partners, raised over $11 million (NIS 36 million) to finish the construction of the Gagon.
Having food and a roof over your head is great, but it is not enough to provide an infrastructure for these people to give them a chance to leave the streets for good and start living a better life. The Gagon’s management understands that and offers a host of other services to their temporary tenants: laundry, bathing, new clothing, and medical care when necessary.
The time to unite
Israel faces the same hardships as the rest of the globe with the Pandemic and the consequences of the Ukraine-Russia war, creating even more pressure on the global economy. As a result, we see a notable increase in the number of people approaching dangerously close to poverty. However, with enough communal effort and solid governmental policies, we will be able to avoid the worst-case scenario and provide help to those who need it the most.
The work of Eckstein’s charity organization is something that we all must cherish and respect. Let’s hope this ambitious endeavor is just a beginning of a new trend in Tel Aviv!
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