Jewish poverty is a much bigger problem than most people think. Despite the antisemitic myth that all Jewish people are wealthy, Jewish Canadians struggle with money at the same rates as broader society. Learn more about Jewish poverty in Canada:
 

According to the most recent national data on Jewish poverty (2011):
 

JEWISH POVERTY
 

• 15% of Canadian Jews live in poverty.

  • That's the same as the national rate of poverty among non-Jews that year (15%). 
     

• Poverty even affects 8.7% of Jewish full-time workers.

  • People who work full-time for low wages might earn less than the cut-off.

  • Often their work conditions are precarious and they do not have paid sick days or health benefits - an even bigger problem during the pandemic. 
     

• Like many cultural minorities, Jews living in poverty face extra financial burdens to access their culture.

  • For example: obtaining Kosher food and religious items, celebrating Jewish holidays, and paying synagogue and school fees.

 

JEWISH CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN POVERTY
 

• Among Canadian Jews, poverty affects:

  • 13.7% of children

  • 17.2% of young adults

  • Over 33% of young children who live with single mothers
     

• Children living in poverty experience food insecurity and hunger. This can have a major effect on their health throughout their life. (Learn more on health and hunger here)

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JEWISH SENIORS IN POVERTY

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• Among Canadian Jews, poverty affects:

  • Almost 1 out of 6 seniors

  • 1 out of 3 elderly women who live alone
     

• Poverty is especially difficult for seniors who have reduced mobility or extra health needs. Poverty can also worsen social isolation.

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SOLUTIONS

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• Jewish people are no different than other people - when we fight for policies that reduce and prevent poverty for Canadians, we fight for policies that reduce and prevent poverty for Jewish Canadians, too.
   

• While we fight for long-term change, we can have a significant impact on lives of Jewish people living in poverty by supporting short-term relief projects, including those that:

  • Coordinate food services

  • Provide urgent financial relief, such as for paying rent and bills

  • Organize Jewish holiday food drives
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• A gift to Mazon provides food for Jewish and non-Jewish people living in poverty today, and fights for solutions to Canada's hunger crisis for tomorrow. You can help:
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