Why it matters
Israel’s efforts to expand its Jewish population in the occupied territories have created socio-political and cultural fractures within Israeli society. The influx of Jewish migrants from diverse backgrounds has widened existing divisions among Jewish communities in the occupied territories.
What he is saying
Javad Sherbaf, Director of West Asia and Africa Studies at the Faculty of World Studies, explained that:"Mass migration is deeply intertwined with the identity of Israel and the establishment of a Jewish state. However, the paradox of defining Israel as both a Jewish and racial state has given rise to a controversial concept known as 'Jewish-Israeli Paradox.' While ‘Aliyah’—the large-scale immigration of Jews to Israel—is seen as a religious duty, the violent and non-peaceful nature of Jewish settlement contradicts fundamental religious principles."
What they are saying
Alireza Soltanshah, Palestine Studies Researcher: "Half of the world’s Jewish population still resides outside the occupied territories, with the largest Jewish community based in the United States. Jewish communities amplify historical narratives to justify their global dispersion, citing existential threats as a key reason for not concentrating in a single location."
Tahereh Goodarzi, Expert on Zionist Affairs: "Religious Jewish communities tend to migrate to Israel at higher rates than other religious groups. The Russia-Ukraine war has driven an influx of Ukrainian Jews to the occupied territories. Meanwhile, Russian restrictions on the Jewish Agency—Israel’s main migration facilitator—due to suspicions of intelligence activities have impacted the migration flow from Russia. About 53% of Jews in the Middle East and North Africa settle in the occupied territories, followed by the U.S. and European countries. However, many Jewish migrants eventually leave Israel due to social and cultural inequalities."
Ehsan Ejazi, Israel Affairs Expert: "Israeli authorities view immigration as a positive factor that brings expertise and capital. About 36% of Israel’s population growth stems from immigration, and 27% of its residents were born outside the occupied territories. However, the integration of immigrants into Israeli society has created significant challenges for the Israeli government."
Key points
Israel promotes Jewish immigration to boost its population and economic development.
The diverse backgrounds of Jewish migrants have exacerbated societal divisions.
Nearly half of the global Jewish population still resides outside Israel, mainly in the U.S.
Political and economic factors, including conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, influence Jewish migration patterns.
Many Jewish migrants leave Israel due to social and economic disparities.
Go deeper
The large-scale immigration of Jews to the occupied territories has led to deep political, social, and cultural rifts. Many Jewish migrants do not fully align with Israeli policies, presenting long-term governance and integration challenges. While Israel views immigration as a means of strengthening its economic and strategic position, the reality on the ground suggests growing internal tensions that could shape the country’s future trajectory.
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