Survey: Nearly 40% of Israeli Men Consider Emigration Amid Ongoing Crises
A new survey reveals that 38.3% of Israeli men and 24.1% of women are considering moving abroad due to ongoing crises. While men seek economic opportunities, women view a second passport as a safety net for their children.
A new survey conducted by the Shilov Institute among 502 Jewish respondents aged 18 and older has revealed a significant gender gap regarding emigration sentiments in Israel. Nearly four out of ten Israeli men (38.3%) and one in four women (24.1%) state that the challenging reality of living in the country makes them consider moving abroad to a large or very large extent.
In recent years, Israeli citizens have faced an unprecedented sequence of crises: a sharp rise in the cost of living and housing prices, widespread public protests, deepening political and social polarization, the October 7 attack, the subsequent prolonged war, the evacuation of northern and southern border communities, and direct military escalation with Iran. This has been compounded by extensive reserve duty (miluim) and economic instability.
Rising Emigration Sentiments
According to the national survey, 31.3% of all respondents said that life in Israel makes them consider moving to another country to a large or very large extent (11.4% "to a very large extent" and 19.9% "to a large extent"). Conversely, 34.5% stated that the situation does not make them consider moving at all.
The survey was commissioned by attorney Joshua Pex from the Decker, Pex, Levi law firm, which specializes in foreign citizenship for Israelis and Israeli status for foreigners, to analyze current trends in obtaining second citizenships.
The Gender Divide
One of the most striking findings is the gender gap. While 38.3% of men seriously consider emigration, only 24.1% of women share this sentiment. The gap is even wider at the extreme ends of the spectrum: 17% of men consider moving "to a very large extent," compared to just 5.6% of women. On the other hand, 59.4% of women said they consider moving to a low extent or not at all (with 39% choosing "not at all"), compared to 44.7% of men (and 30% respectively).
Attorney Joshua Pex suggested several factors contributing to this disparity:
"Despite modern progress, in many Israeli families, the man is still perceived as the primary breadwinner, while the woman manages the household and children's education. Recent years have brought severe economic challenges due to business closures and layoffs in the high-tech sector. Furthermore, men have faced much more demanding and prolonged reserve military service."
Conversely, the sense of solidarity and community cohesion in the home front during the war strengthened social ties and family connections for those left behind, potentially easing some of the daily hardships for women.
Different Perspectives on Second Passports
The survey also highlighted how men and women view the utility of foreign citizenship. Men tend to see a foreign passport as a gateway to economic opportunities and a solution to the high cost of living (40% of men versus 31% of women). Women, however, prioritize security concerns, protection against potential catastrophes, and their children's future (67% of women versus 56% of men).
Joshua Pex noted:
"A foreign passport represents an option to live elsewhere, but it does not necessarily indicate concrete plans to emigrate. When a person actually decides to relocate, practical factors like employment, spouses, children, education, housing, and language barriers come into play. Women often view a passport as a safety net for the future without an immediate desire to leave."
He added that many inquiries at his firm come from grandparents who have no intention of leaving Israel themselves but want to secure a second passport for their children and grandchildren.
