Can We Prevent the Next Tragedy?
02.01.2017
Israeli Shortcut chairman Zev Zer claims that while the tragedy that happened this week was rare and extreme, his organization is aware of a huge and diverse number of distresses which the immigration population in Israel suffers from. He says that foreign nationals living in Israel have it even worse than immigrants, since they are not citizens and have no electoral power and political representation. Because of this, their needs are regularly ignored.
In addition to the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by anyone who leaves his birth country for Israel, this public runs the gauntlet of Israel bureaucracy when it comes to education, welfare and other municipal issues. This happens to even the most normal, stable individuals.
Israeli Shortcut was founded at the bidding of the illustrious mashgiach of the Mirrer yeshiva, Rabbi Aaron Chodosh, after the flood of requests for help by foreign nationals and immigrants required immediate solutions. Israeli Shortcut seeks to help this public by working with government and municipal bodies to find answers for the many issues overwhelming them.
Since Israeli Shortcut opened its office two years ago, it has been receiving dozens of appeals for assistance every day and has helped thousands.
The effect of Rabbi Zev Zer’s activities can be seen in the proposal made by the city councilmen in an emergency meeting held in the wake of the tragic event. The meeting followed a letter he had sent to the mayor just a week ago in which he detailed the distresses suffered by immigrants and foreign citizens, and how his organization is pivotal in addressing their needs.
When the councilmen called to set up a body that would help immigrants, Israeli Shortcut’s chairman offered the municipality to join hands in working for the benefit of immigrants and foreign citizens living in Israel.
