I remember from my childhood and early adolescence in a communist country, that begging was seen as public disturbance and forbidden by law; beggars were treated cruelly if caught.
Charity and fundraising were not allowed either.
The rationale behind it was that the government took good care of its citizens , and the above activities implied the opposite, which was unacceptable.
Perhaps the communist approach was not so bad after all, considering the amount of fraud and corruption regarding benevolent, non- profit organizations in the western world.
People give away stuff and money without properly checking where it goes to and that doesn't help fix the situation. Sometimes even the social services are involved in the scam.
Well. to go back to what I started with - begging and beggars.
Over the years, I occasionally stumbled upon a certain beggar who for some reason or another, managed to capture my attention. His "territory" was the heart of Tel Aviv city.
He was not the standard beggar. He didn't have a 'fixed' place, but was rather on the move, stretching his hand to passersby and shop keepers, an imploring look on his face . He seemd ageless, with no visible physical disability. He made no use of kids or heart-breaking little posters to ellicit symphaty. He was casually dressed in a black t-shirt and pants.
begging- (Getty's images)
I entered the restaurant and approached his table; looked him into the eyes, but... couldn't do it, couldn't ask him about the begging, couldn't tell him that people begging money, do so for very basic needs, not for luxuries.
Just turned around and left.
Were are the story investigative journalists when you need them?