Making Sense of Israel's Pension System

Barbara Swirski, the director of the Tel Aviv-based think- and action-tank, the Adva Center, has long championed work that improves the economic gender imbalance in Israel. On the computer screen next to Barbara, above, is the prototype of a Hadassah Foundation-funded guide for women trying to make sense of Israel's pension system--there is no other source of unbiased information for women. After the guide is completed, Adva is using Foundation funds to create a series of animated films about women and pension issues. This is work is particularly important because Israel created a 401k-style pension program for virtually all workers several years ago. Women, who are disproportionately likely to engage in low-wage and contract work, have fewer viable investing choices available to them than full time and well-paid workers.