Taub Center and Brookings Institution Focus on Poverty and Inequality in Israel and U.S.

Upcoming forum in Washington D.C to look at social problems through comparative lens

New York---The Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, funded by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and the Brookings Institution will examine common social problems in Israel and the United States at a forum that will take place Friday, May 19 at the Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. The primary focus will be on poverty and unequal access to services.

This forum marks a natural point in the development of a close working relationship between the two "think tanks". In 2002, the Taub Center and the Brookings Institution jointly published the report, Sticking Together: The Israeli Experience in Pluralism (Brookings Institution Press). Like the Brookings Institution, the Taub Center uses a macro-level approach to understanding society's needs and responses. Through its studies, forums and meetings with experts, the Taub Center tries to influence policy makers to focus on approaches that reflect Jewish values, particularly social justice.

An opportunity for researchers from the two institutions to exchange ideas on topics of mutual interest regarding policy options and their possible impact on policymaking, the forum will include three sessions, "Children and Education", "Safety Net and Pensions", and "Social Protection and Economic Growth". Lawrence Klein, a noted economist and member of the Taub Center's advisory board, will deliver the featured lecture.

"As two vibrant democracies that emphasize social justice, it's natural that Israel and the United States are serious about addressing poverty and inequality," said Steve Schwager, executive vice president, JDC. "The Brookings Institution and the Taub center are two of the world's premiere social policy think tanks. The fact that they are teaming up to address issues in a comparative way means that we can expect some innovative and impactful ideas."