Lithuanian in Israel: Kindergarten Costs a Full Salary, But Families Thrive

Living in Israel, a Lithuanian woman named Živilė shares her observations on the stark differences in how children are perceived and treated compared to her home country. She points out the significant financial burden of childcare, with kindergarten fees alone consuming a full salary. However, she emphasizes that this financial strain is offset by a societal attitude that deeply values children.

Živilė contrasts the Israeli approach, where children are seen as belonging to the 'entire village' and are actively engaged with, with what she perceives as a more tolerant-than-cherishing attitude in Lithuania. She notes that in Israel, children are not just tolerated but genuinely cherished, with people more likely to interact with a crying child than to scold them.

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In Israel, no one gets upset if a child cries or shouts nearby – people around will sooner talk to them or try to cheer them up than scold them.

This cultural difference, she suggests, is partly influenced by the prevailing security situation in Israel. Rather than stifling the desire for larger families, the constant threat seems to foster a more intense and resilient approach to life. This perspective offers a unique insight into how a nation facing persistent challenges can cultivate a strong sense of community and a profound appreciation for its youngest generation, a viewpoint often missed in international reporting that focuses solely on the conflict.

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Lithuanians love their children, and Israelis love all children – their own and others'. Children here are not tolerated – they are cherished.