‘Tsunami’ of emigration reshapes Israel’s future, experts warn
Summary
A growing number of Israelis, especially those who are well-educated and wealthy, are leaving the country ahead of important elections. This rise in emigration is linked to concerns about the government’s direction, ongoing conflicts, and a changing society.Key Facts
- More Israelis left in 2023 and 2024 than in previous years, with many coming from higher tax brackets.
- Nearly 270,000 Israelis have emigrated over the past three years, according to a Tel Aviv University study.
- The government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a more hardline approach, causing some citizens to feel the country is changing in ways they do not support.
- Protests occurred in 2023 against government efforts to reduce judicial oversight.
- The October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and Israel’s military response, resulting in a high number of Palestinian casualties, increased concerns among Israelis.
- Many Israelis feel stuck in ongoing wars without clear victories.
- There is social stigma in Israel against those who leave, with terms like “Yordim” (meaning “those who descend”) used to describe emigrants.
- Experts say this sustained high level of emigration is unusual and not mainly driven by the economy but by security and political concerns.
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