Why It Matters:
Israel's efforts to increase the Jewish population in the occupied territories and its broader population strategy have created several challenges for the regime. The diverse backgrounds of Jewish migrants have led to growing divisions within the Jewish community in these territories.
What They Are Saying:
Javad Sharbaf, Director of West Asia and Africa Studies Group at the Faculty of World Studies: Israel promotes widespread Jewish migration to the occupied territories under the concept of 'Jewsrael' to avoid racial discrimination labels. However, this often contradicts Jewish religious principles of peaceful settlement.
Alireza Soltanshahi, Researcher in Palestinian Studies: Half of the Jewish population resides outside the occupied territories. They often justify their dispersion by emphasizing historical events and perceived threats.
Tahereh Goudarzi, Researcher on Zionist Issues: Jewish migration rates are higher among religious Jews than other groups. The Russia-Ukraine war has caused an influx of Jews from Ukraine to the occupied territories.
Ehsan E'jazi, Israeli Issues Expert: Israelis view migration to the occupied territories positively, believing it brings expertise and capital. However, the integration of migrants into Israeli society has created significant challenges for the regime.
Key Points:
- 53% of Jews reside in the Middle East and North Africa.
- The primary destination for Jewish migrants is the occupied territories.
- Many Jews migrate to other countries after arriving in the occupied territories due to social and cultural inequalities.
- 27% of residents in the occupied territories were born outside of these areas.
- 36% of Israel's population growth is attributed to migration.
Go Deeper:
Widespread migration to the occupied territories has resulted in political, social, and cultural rifts among Jews. Immigrant Jews from different countries do not fully adhere to Israeli policies, posing considerable challenges for the Israeli government.
Mahboubeh Habibi
ahmad shirzadian
