Professor Amir Yaron

A year after you became governor, you spoke at an economic conference on Israel’s chareidi sector. You made headlines when you referred to possible tax hikes lasting until the year 2065 if the chareidim don’t participate in the workforce. Did you think that what you said at the conference would generate such harsh reactions?

Anyone who reads everything I said, and not just one headline or another, realizes that the speech was an embracing one. The intention was certainly good. There is no doubt that the chareidi sector is a very significant part of the state and its future, and I say that with tremendous admiration. It’s important to remember that we are all in the same boat. The chareidi community understands this as well. Integrating chareidim will have a positive influence on the entire economy.

It’s important to note that the model that we presented at that event spoke about the change of tax policies in 2065, and regretfully, some headline, for whatever reason, presented that as if it were an immediate change. People took it the wrong way. In reality, the model I presented tells us the importance of taking the right steps that we can take now, so that we can continue to thrive for decades to come.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 834)