The Bottom Line - 23 May 2003
Although numbers and statistics are not my favourite, the following are worth considering in light of the current situation of world Jewry and the Middle East.
According to figures published by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics recently, Israel’s population stands at 6.7 million people, eight times the number immediately prior to the Declaration of Independence. When the State was established on 15 May 1948, its population stood at 806 000, 81% of whom were Jews. This proportion has remained constant, and there are presently 5.4 million Jews living in Israel.
The Jewish population of Israel constitutes 38% of world Jewry, which stands at 13.3 million people. In comparison, in 1948, the Jewish population comprised a mere 6% of the Jewish population world-wide.
According to the Bureau, Israel’s Arab population consists of 1.3 million people – 82% Moslems, 9% Christians and 9% Druze.
Over the past year, Israel’s population grew by 2% with the addition of 131 000 people. This relatively small growth rate has been attributed to a drop in the number of immigrants during this period, compared to previous years.
So, what does all this mean?
55 years after the establishment of Israel less than half of all Jews around the world live at home. Although the number of Jews in Israel has grown tremendously – over 3 million immigrants have come to Israel since 1948, due in great part to the work of Keren Hayesod / Israel United appeal – there still is much room for improvement in encouraging an active commitment of Jews world-wide to make Aliya and live in the Jewish homeland.
Keren Hayesod has seen many immigrants arriving in Israel every month, facilitating their absorption and making this process easier. The conflict in the Middle East, the terrorism, the hatred, the murders, attacks and suicide bombings has deterred many from making Aliyah, yet it might also have been a draw-card for some as an opportunity to show support for Israel and stand up as a proud Jew and a proud Israeli, in the face of this adversity.
Against all odds, Israel’s population is still growing and the Jewish nation will always be a majority there; so long as Keren Hayesod / Israel United Appeal continues in its vital work in helping Israel remain strong by bringing new immigrants home and building the infrastructure that is required to maintain a vibrant and flourishing country.
There may not be an apparent man-made solution to the political situation, as yet, but G-d has never let us down and by maintaining our faith and continuing to live with hope and pride, despite the turmoil, we will find peace.
Statistics have never played a part in Jewish survival, for if they did, we would not be here. What were the chances of winning the War of Independence and subsequent wars against our Arab neighbours?
Brotherhood and solidarity are basic principles of Keren Hayesod / Israel United Appeal and so we continue to do whatever we can to save Jewish lives and build the Land of Israel for the Jewish people, our strength is in our numbers. The rest is out of our hands.