Commenting on the latest report of the Community Social
Rehabilitation Project sponsored by the Housing and
Construction Ministry on behalf of the chareidi sector, Rabbi
Meir Porush stated: "The Community Social Rehabilitation
program administered by the Housing Ministry in the chareidi
areas has made a significant contribution, by means of the
public awareness it has generated on the issue of granting
social services to the chareidi sector. The main
contributions of the project involve early childhood
enrichment programs, the development of coordinated systems
to reinforce studies for children with learning difficulties,
the development of the ability of the senior citizens to
enter the work force in professions with practical prospects
and their awareness of this option, and the creating of
social opportunities for the diverse sectors in the various
neighborhoods."
The report, presented to the former Deputy Housing and
Construction Minister in his last days at the head of that
Ministry before the installation of the new government,
presents an analysis of the activities of the project in the
chareidi sectors of 21 neighborhoods as well as
recommendations for future activities. Rabbi Porush, who
commended the authors of the report, stated, "The system of
integration of the project into each neighborhood should be
adapted to the unique characteristics of its residents in
line with the principles of the Community Social
Rehabilitation Project."
A few years ago, the Community Social Rehabilitation
Department founded a joint think tank, composed of
experienced professionals in the chareidi sector as well as
experienced social planners. These results constituted the
basis for the formulation of the guidelines of the Community
Social Rehabilitation Program in neighborhoods with a high
concentration of chareidim.
In the wake of new findings on the topic, it was decided to
focus on the social sphere in five areas which constitute
"springboards for change" and are likely to result in
significant social progress in the chareidi sector. These
areas are: guidance for parents of preschoolers, learning
reinforcement programs for youngsters from fifth grade and
up, occupational advancement, teenage advancement, programs
for dropouts, and plans for the bridging of social gaps.
Concomitantly, a mapping of neighborhoods with relatively
large concentrations of chareidim was organized.
Compilers of the report concluded, "The activities of the
Community Social Rehabilitation Project in the chareidi
sectors are vital. It is important to continue to invest in
both the study and development of a professional approach
suited to the chareidi sector, with its special needs and
characteristics. We will continue to actualize this change in
the coming years."
