Amidst all the negative political dramas which continue on a daily basis there has been some positive economic news, writes Michael Kuttner…
As good news usually fails to make the headlines, here are the details.
For the first time in 35 years, Israel achieved a budget surplus in 2022 – of $2.85 billion, mostly financed by a 14% increase in tax revenues. Hopefully, this will help plans to lower Israel’s cost of living.
GDP growth in 2022 was 6.3%, one of the highest in the OECD.
In health good news, a wide range of medicines and technologies provided by the health funds for 2023 has been sent to the Government for approval. These include public health and preventative measures, the world’s most advanced treatments for cancer patients and treatments for chronic diseases.
All Israeli citizens are members of one of the country’s four health funds and have access to these first class benefits.
HAPPY 99TH. BIRTHDAY
The world’s oldest working journalist and radio interviewer has just celebrated his 99th birthday.
Escaping from Germany to the UK on the kindertransport and then making his home in Israel he continues to work and thrive.
Listen as he recounts his experiences and offers some well chosen advice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b5S8D69FFM
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel.
[This article was originally published on J-Wire and is reproduced here with permission from Michael Kuttner.]
