Another 80,000 Expected to Emigrate This Year
Majority Are Highly Educated, High-Income Progressives
"Significant Impact on Israel's Economy and Politics"
Foreign media have reported that tens of thousands of Israelis are emigrating abroad due to dissatisfaction with the Gaza War and the Netanyahu administration. Most of these emigrants are highly educated and high-income individuals with progressive views, and analysts suggest that this trend could have a significant impact on Israel's economy and other sectors.
The Washington Post, citing Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics on November 23 (local time), reported that more than 80,000 out of approximately 10 million Israeli citizens emigrated overseas last year, and that a similar number is expected to emigrate this year.
Israeli demographers explained that the majority of those emigrating abroad are highly educated and high-income earners. They are not religious and are known to hold progressive views, often critical of the Netanyahu cabinet. Dekel Shalev, an Israeli who chose to emigrate, told the Washington Post in an interview, "After the outbreak of the war in Gaza, I immediately realized that staying in Israel was not an option." Having moved to Denver, Colorado, in the United States, he noted that many Israelis have relocated to this city over the past two years, saying, "It's quiet here, and I know my children are safe."
Dafna Fattisi Priluk, founder of the company 'SettledIn,' which assists Israelis with emigration, said that she has recently received an unprecedented number of inquiries. She explained that before the Gaza War, many people moved abroad in search of job opportunities, but now more are seeking to escape the ongoing war and political upheaval. She noted that inquiries surged in June, when Israel and Iran exchanged missile attacks.
Experts predict that this exodus could have a profound impact on Israel's economy, society, and politics for decades to come. Professor Itai Ater of Tel Aviv University pointed out that while workers in Israel's high-tech sector make up only 11% of the total workforce, they pay one-third of all taxes, expressing concern that many of those emigrating are skilled tech professionals.
There are also observations that this wave of emigration could influence the outcome of Israel's elections scheduled for next year. Fattisi Priluk said that Israelis who have moved abroad say, "We will decide whether to return depending on the results of next year's general election," predicting that changes in Israel's political situation will significantly affect the decisions of emigrants.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
