Israeli welfare and social work: 70 years on

Social Work as a profession plays a fundamental role in the development of the state, especially in assisting the most vulnerable parts of the population by way of contributing to the building of a fairer society and collective solidarity. Social work in Israel finds its professional space in several diverse fields with social work professionals using a wide variety of methodologies with individuals, groups and communities. This article discusses the evolution of the social work profession since Israel’s establishment in 1948, the welfare perspective that evolved over the years, and the vicissitudes in its underlying social values and ethical codes.