Bnei Brak Employs Hundreds Past Retirement Age Amid Severe Budget Crisis
Bnei Brak employs 219 workers past retirement age, including a 94-year-old, costing 40 million shekels annually while facing a 130 million shekel deficit.
The municipality of Bnei Brak is currently employing 219 workers who have surpassed the official retirement age of 67, with some individuals reaching 94 years old. This widespread practice incurs an annual cost of nearly 40 million shekels, drawing intense scrutiny as the city struggles with a severe financial crisis, a staggering current deficit of approximately 130 million shekels, and looming threats of state sanctions.
Financial Crisis and Deficit Pressures
The alarming employment figures came to light following a freedom of information request submitted by the "Israel Hofsheet" organization and the Freedom of Information Movement. According to internal documents leaked to the media, Mayor Hanoch Zeibert and CEO Israel Irenstein warned municipal employees about persistent budgetary imbalances and major cash flow challenges.
"There is no conceivable explanation other than the hiring of associates and internal political settling of scores to understand why dozens of employees are kept on past retirement age," stated representatives from Israel Hofsheet.
Regulations and Municipal Response
Ministry of the Interior guidelines stipulate that extending employment past the age of 70 requires special occupational health approvals and individual committee reviews. Out of the 219 retired-age workers, 22 are over 70, including 8 above 80 and three individuals over 90. The monthly wage costs average 14,700 shekels, with several top earners costing over 20,000 shekels per month, and one 69-year-old employee costing an astonishing 76,000 shekels monthly.
In response to inquiries, the Bnei Brak municipality stated that employment up to age 72 is conducted with mutual consent, though officials added that a comprehensive review regarding workers exceeding this threshold will now be initiated.
