Roughly one in four Jewish residents of Israel, and one in three Arab residents, would consider leaving the country on a temporary or even permanent basis, a study from the Israel Democracy Institute revealed on Wednesday.
Though both groups have different reasons for considering emigration, among Jews, secular identity is a significant factor, as 39% of secular Jews are considering departing Israel compared to much lower numbers from religious Jews. Within the Arab demographic, data presented states that those in the 35-54 age range are most willing to consider emigrating outside of the country, at about 34.5% of the population.
Among the most common reasons someone would consider leaving included the high cost of living, as well as concerns for their children’s future prospects, the survey said.
Of those considering leaving, there is no specific destination or plan, rather an interest in simply leaving. Among respondents, Europe is a more desirable option than North America. Regardless of ethnicity, a large majority of both groups – 90% of Jews and 79% of Arabs – reported that residing in Israel was important to them.
Family ties, sense of belonging, motivate choice to stay
Family ties and a sense of belonging are among the strongest motivations for those choosing to stay. Security, cultural identity, and a connection to the Israeli way of life are additional important factors influencing the decisions of respondents.
In both groups, more than half of the population sees the increased departure of Israelis as a threat to the country’s future. Sixty-four percent of Arabs share this belief, with just 54% of Jews expressing the same.
Notably, both groups see a “brain drain” of those educated and/or skilled leaving as a substantial threat. Overall, according to the survey, most Israelis do not see a lack of trust in political institutions nor additional security fears as legitimate reasons to leave the country.