The Minister of Social equality in Israel, Meirav Cohen, stated that she received a report addressing the issue of employing senior citizens and army veterans in the state service. She noted that the report came to her this week from the State of Service Commission Department.

Cohen pointed out that her team has been addressing the issues related to equality for the past two years, and they have been promoting the project ‘Beitar Sheh’.

She said that the positive results from the project could be seen as the employment of senior veterans has increased marginally from 10 employees in 2020 to 147 employed vets today.

Furthermore, she noted that the increase in data and positive results do not surprise her because employers and managers are interested in employing senior army officials in civil services.

According to Cohen, managers express satisfaction and will to promote the cause because it adds value to society’s professional and social aspects. Moreover, managers are impressed by the work and dealings of vets in their units and are happy to contribute and encourage them to work.

Additionally, The Ministry of Social Equality has been working and promoting a national program which adds a boost to adult employment as well. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the employment of adults in Israel.

She stated that the ministry was able to help and provide jobs to over 3000 young people. The program introduced by the Social Equality authority called ‘Veterans at Work’ offers both part-time and full-time employment.

She revealed that the program does not focus on making profits and returns both for employers and the state of Israel., Instead, it came up as a real-life saver for young adults who wants to stay relevant, meaningful, happy and healthier.

According to reports, the data collected from the business sectors also encourage the promotion of such causes and programs.

However, Cohen said they need to keep improving the standards in both public and business sectors to maintain cooperation. The relationship among such sectors will inspire senior citizen vets, and adults who are willing to work could be hired by employers.

The Ministry of Social Equality conveyed that the retired army vets have gained unmatchable knowledge and experience, which cannot be ignored. Still, they couldn’t work because of their age, which is unacceptable.

Meirav Cohen concluded that she would keep working and raising the issue of adult discrimination in the employment field.

There is no doubt that we must continue to increase the standards in the public sector, alongside expanding cooperation with the business sector, so that more senior citizens who are interested and capable of working can be employed.

They have gained irreplaceable knowledge and experience, and now the law sends them home just because of their age. Also, in the Knesset, I intend to continue acting against adult discrimination in the employment market and continue what we started in the office.