In response to economic sanctions: At the beginning of Elul, a large-scale consumer initiative is expected to be launched - led by the Yeshiva Committee and backed by the great men of Israel.
The project is designed to concentrate the enormous purchasing power of approximately 100,000 Haredi families, in order to obtain permanent discounts and curb the cost of living in the sector.
According to a report this evening (Sunday) by Daniel Grubeis on 'Kan News', as part of the project, each Abrecht member will be given a rechargeable card - 'Kings of the Rabbis'.
The card will be funded by donations and other sources, and will be used by families to receive discounts and benefits at major food and consumer chains, as well as to participate in lotteries.
The move marks a step up in the ultra-Orthodox leadership's attempt to create an independent "economic safety net" for the families of the Avrechim and the Torah scholars.
The project's initiators explain that the intention is to create a framework that will operate "almost like a credit company.".
According to them, the organized power of 100,000 families will allow them to dictate terms to the chains: "We are bringing 100,000 families who will go through fire and water with you, and in return we will bring cheap prices.".
In addition to obtaining discounts, the "Meeting Committee" plans to establish a supervisory mechanism that will continuously monitor product prices. The goal is to exert direct pressure on the retail chains in the event of price increases and demand their reduction, using the power of the organized consumer as a deterrent.
According to the report, the 'Conference Committee' is in advanced talks with the major food and consumer chains in Israel to finalize the details of the agreements before the official launch.
