Israelis are emigrating abroad in numbers the country has never seen before – taking with them their money, education, and professional skills. The numbers behind this movement indicate long-term harm to Israel, even far from the conflict zones in the North and South.
In the first seven months of this year, 40,600 people left the country, an average of 2,200 more each month than in 2023.
The Central Bureau of Statistics has updated its method for calculating long-term departures and returns of Israelis, adopting international standards for measuring emigration and developing a new statistical method within its Demography and Census Division.
The data tell a stark story: In 2023, 55,400 people emigrated – a record high compared to an annual average of 37,100 over the previous decade. That same year, 27,800 Israelis returned after extended periods abroad, up from the decade-long average of 23,800.
In 2023, 39% of emigrants came from the country’s wealthier districts, including Tel Aviv and the central region, while 28% left from Haifa and the North, and 15% from the South. Even Jerusalem contributed 13% of all emigrants, and Judea and Samaria accounted for 5%.
Emigration rates surged during the summer. While an average of 5,200 people left per month in the first five months of the year, that number rose to 7,300 per month in June and July. In August, 20,500 Israelis who normally reside abroad returned to visit.
The number of “long-term emigrants,” as defined by the CBS, increased by 59% in the first seven months of 2023.
The median age of men emigrating in 2023 was 31.6, while for women, it was 32.5. People in their 20s and 30s comprised 40% of emigrants, though they only account for about 27% of the population. This means Israel is losing significant manpower at an age when many are entering the workforce, pursuing studies, or receiving training abroad. Among emigrants, 48% of men and 45% of women were single. Around 41% emigrated with a partner, reinforcing the notion that many have permanently relocated.
In 2023, 59% of emigrants were born abroad, while 41% were born in Israel. Of those born abroad, 80% hailed from Europe, with the vast majority (72%) from the former Soviet Union. Many of these emigrants received generous state aid when they first arrived in Israel, including government-subsidized housing and mortgages, only to reap the benefits from selling those properties at substantial profits.
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There was once a highly intelligent, beautiful, talented single girl who was set up with a boy whom she realized during their date was much beneath her standards. She didn't want to hurt his feelings and reject him outright. So she came to the second date looking really bad and acting uncouth. The boy was turned off and declined to ask her out again.
Israel is beautiful. It is the a great zchus to live here after 2000 years of exile. If people are leaving it is b/c they are not worthy.
Mussar Haskel: Come if you can!!!
