18/10/2024

Significant rise in emigration from Israel amid ongoing conflicts

TEL AVIV — Israel has experienced a substantial increase in emigration due to ongoing conflicts, particularly with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Reports have highlighted that around 40,600 people left Israel in the first seven months of this year, averaging 2,200 departures per month. Many of these emigrants took with them their wealth, academic qualifications, and professional skills.

It was noted that 39% of those leaving in 2023 came from affluent areas, including Tel Aviv and the central region, while 28% emigrated from Haifa and the northern areas, 15% from the south, and 13% from Jerusalem.

Notably, non-Arab Christians, primarily immigrants from the former Soviet Union, represented 32% of the emigrants in 2023, despite comprising only 5% of Israel’s total population. In contrast, Muslims and Arab Christians, who make up 21% of Israel’s population, accounted for just 6% of emigrants.

The current emigration trend will inevitably have long-term impact on Israel, even in regions distant from the primary conflict zones in the North and South.