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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Inside Israel's homelessness crisis: A system struggling to keep up

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Israel faces a growing homelessness crisis, with official figures reporting approximately 3,500 street dwellers, a number that has increased since COVID-19 and the Oct. 7 events.
  • Tel Aviv has the highest concentration of homeless individuals, with around 1,500 people living on the streets, followed by Jerusalem.
  • Critics argue that Israel's strict criteria for recognizing individuals as "street dwellers" exclude many who would be considered homeless in other developed nations, preventing them from accessing government support.

Homelessness has become an increasingly visible issue in Israel, straining the government's capacity to address the needs of its most vulnerable citizens. Official figures indicate approximately 3,500 individuals are classified as "street dwellers," a term used in Israeli policy for homeless people. This number has reportedly risen in recent years, exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the events following Oct. 7.

Tel Aviv bears the brunt of this crisis, with an estimated 1,500 homeless individuals residing in the city. Jerusalem follows with around 300, according to Ori Shoham, founder-CEO of HomeBase, an NGO dedicated to assisting the homeless. In 2024, the OECD reported a higher figure of 3,900 homeless individuals across Israel, noting that 87% were men and 13% were women. Back in 2021, Tel Aviv's municipality had reported 1,300 known homeless.

"Homeless people and street dwellers are the weakest link in our society," Shoham stated, highlighting the complex challenges they face, including legal, financial, health, and substance abuse issues. However, the criteria for an individual to be formally recognized as a "street dweller" in Israel are notably stringent compared to other OECD countries.

To qualify, an individual must be at least 18 years old, reside in abandoned structures or public spaces, and exhibit signs of "physical and emotional neglect." They are also typically expected to be estranged from family and unwilling or unable to alter their lifestyle. This narrow definition excludes many individuals who might be considered homeless elsewhere, such as minors, those facing eviction due to inability to pay rent, recently released prisoners, or victims of domestic violence removed by court order. Consequently, these individuals are denied access to government services and benefits designated for the recognized homeless population, leaving the true scope of the crisis potentially underestimated.

Homeless people and street dwellers are the weakest link in our society

— Ori ShohamOri Shoham, founder-CEO of HomeBase, describes the vulnerability of homeless individuals in Israel and the multifaceted issues they confront.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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