Social Workers Union: Government must provide funds to protect seniors and people with disabilities without accessible shelters

As Israel continues to face ongoing security threats, a severe and long-standing gap in civilian protection remains unaddressed: thousands of seniors and people with disabilities lack access to safe, accessible shelters—and are left completely exposed during emergencies.

In a letter sent by Inbal Hermoni, Chair of the Social Workers’ Union within the Histadrut, to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the Histadrut calls for urgent approval of budget allocations that would allow immediate implementation of solutions that already exist, but remain unused due to lack of funding.

A Dangerous Reality: The Most Vulnerable Are the Least Protected

According to the letter, just as in previous rounds of conflict, seniors and people with disabilities who do not have accessible protected spaces are often unable to reach a safe room when an alarm sounds. This leaves them facing real and immediate danger, with no practical way to protect themselves.

Beyond the physical risk, the psychological impact is profound. Remaining at home during a rocket alert, fully aware of the danger and without any ability to respond, causes deep emotional distress and erodes the basic sense of safety and dignity to which every citizen is entitled.

Solutions Exist – Only Funding Is Missing

The Histadrut emphasizes that actionable solutions are already on the table:

• Opening vacant units in Ministry of Welfare assisted-living facilities to admit nursing‑dependent seniors accompanied by caregivers. These units are ready and available, yet remain closed solely due to the lack of an approved budget.
• Adapting and equipping municipal shelters for long-term stay, including accessibility for different types of disabilities. The municipality of Bat Yam, for example, has already developed a tailored model—but it, too, is frozen due to funding constraints.

The letter stresses that failing to act now will lead to far greater long‑term costs, both financially and socially, when vulnerable citizens are left without protection.

“A Moral Test for Us as a Society”

Hermoni describes the situation as a moral litmus test for the State of Israel. “The solutions exist,” she states, urging the Ministry of Finance to immediately authorize the required budget to prepare day centers and implement protective measures today.

Histadrut to the Government: No Citizen Should Be Left Behind

The Histadrut expresses deep concern that budget considerations alone have led to the abandonment of those who most depend on state protection. This is not a technical budget issue, it is a matter of life, dignity, and equality.

The Histadrut will continue to work with the relevant government ministries and advocate for immediate steps to ensure proper protection for every citizen—regardless of age, physical limitations, or socioeconomic status.