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/// AARON INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE OF THE AARON INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
The Aaron Institute for Economic Policy held its 10th anniversary conference on July 9-10, 2024, at Reichman University, titled “A Country in Turmoil–Threats and Opportunities in Israel’s Economy.” The event opened with speeches by Reichman University’s Founding President and Chairperson of the Board, Prof. Uriel Reichman, Bank of Israel Governor Prof. Amir Yaron, Former US Ambassador the honorable Jack Lew, and Institute leaders Shlomo Dovrat and Prof. Zvi Eckstein. Sessions addressed economic strategies for security challenges, integrating Haredi and Arab communities into the economy, and the cost of living. Speakers included Yogev Gardos, Budget Director at the Ministry of Finance; MK Moshe Arbel, Minister of Interior; and National Unity Party Chair and former Chief of Staff of the IDF MK Benny Gantz. The conference concluded with a call for long-term economic policy solutions.
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC POLICY OF THE ARAB SOCIETY AT THE AARON INSTITUTE
On December 4th, 2024, the Aaron Institute held the first annual conference of the Center for Economic Policy of the Arab Society, titled: “Impact Strategy: Quality Employment and Equal Opportunities for Young Arabs.”
An innovative partnership was launched with the Yad Hanadiv Foundation and the Authority for Economic Development to promote socio-economic integration and create equal opportunities for Arab youth. Panel participants featured representatives from the Authority for Economic Development, the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Labor, alongside academics, civil society leaders, and leading entrepreneurs.
The conference provided a successful platform for discussing challenges and policy solutions to advance quality employment and equal opportunities while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
FROM UNIFORMS TO INDEX: THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DRAFTING THE ULTRA-ORTHODOX
The Aaron Institute for Economic Policy held a symposium of the Center for Economic Policy of the Ultra-Orthodox Society in collaboration with the Israeli Economic Association. The event, which took place on January 29th, 2025, at Reichman University, focused on the economic implications of drafting ultra-Orthodox individuals into the IDF. It featured lectures by leading experts such as Prof. Zvi Eckstein, Dr. Hila Axelrad, and Prof. Eyal Kimchi, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Finance, military officials, and key figures from the ultra-Orthodox community.
Prominent figures, including former Minister of Education, Rabbi Shai Piron moderated panels. Discussions revolved around the economic cost of manpower in the IDF, the demographic characteristics of the ultra-Orthodox community, security needs, and inequality in burden-sharing. The symposium provided a platform to address Israel’s security, social, and economic challenges and proposed policy solutions, emphasizing the integration of the ultra-Orthodox into the workforce and national defense. The event concluded with a call for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders.
