Young, Educated Families Are Leaving Israel
Maariv, Israel, January 7
The Central Bureau of Statistics has released figures on the exodus of Israelis leaving the country, stirring a wave of online commentary with sentiments like: “Good riddance, we don’t need them here.” However, venting anger offers no roadmap for action, and deriding those who emigrate fails to address the underlying challenges driving this trend.
Discrepancies exist between the data from the Population Authority and the CBS, but all sources indicate a noticeable rise in Israelis departing, whether temporarily or through permanent emigration. The CBS reports that over 82,000 Israelis have left this year, coinciding with a dip in immigration to Israel compared to last year.
Particularly alarming is the age demographic: Nearly 48% of those leaving are aged between 20 and 45, and 27% are children and teenagers. In essence, the majority of those departing are under 45. This increase in the migration of young, educated individuals and families could severely impact both the Israeli economy and its social fabric.
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Merely criticizing those who leave fails to resolve the issue and may exacerbate it. Surveys seeking to uncover the motivations behind emigration cite political instability, ongoing conflict, social tensions, ideological divides, and concerns about the future of democracy in Israel. It’s pointless to argue the factual basis of these fears; their mere perception among those leaving necessitates active intervention from policymakers.
Economic factors also emerge prominently in the discourse—rising living costs, housing challenges, and employment difficulties loom large. Added to this is the pursuit of a better quality of life: Individuals seek places offering a more relaxed lifestyle, increased tolerance, and access to superior public services.
Retaining a well-educated populace that contributes to the nation’s economy and security requires decisive action. This entails a thorough understanding of the emigration reasons, comprehensive research, and careful analysis of the departing cohort’s profile. It is equally crucial to assess the long-term consequences of this migratory trend on Israel and to comprehend why immigrants leave due to integration difficulties.
Above all, hearing and addressing the concerns of those who choose to leave is imperative. Effective decision-making should be grounded in data, not swayed by populist digital chatter. Alongside a profound analysis, practical solutions must be proposed: The government and civil society should collaborate to tackle the root causes.
This includes calming polarizing rhetoric, building consensus around divisive topics, striving for a fairer distribution of societal burdens, and reducing the cost of living. It is vital to bolster Israeli communities, offering support to those who are struggling. Cultivating a sense of belonging to Israel and its cultural heritage fortifies ties to the nation. Reinforcing the values of equality, tolerance, and democracy will also help forge a society where everyone feels they belong. —Liora Minka (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
