A Knesset member from the left-wing Meretz Party has authored a bill that would provide financial aid to young people who leave the haredi Orthodox fold.

The bill would provide a financial aid package similar to one given to a new immigrant to the country, the Israeli daily Ha’aretz reported.

Hundreds of youth who leave haredi Orthodoxy each year face financial hardship and difficulty in getting a higher education because their schools do not teach all the core subjects required for a matriculation certificate, according to Ha’aretz.

The aid would amount to more than $13,000 per person, according to the report. — jta