Alarming Study: Surge in Emigration from Israel, Mainly Among Affluent Families

A Tax Authority study reveals a surge in emigration from Israel, especially among affluent families and high-tech and healthcare workers. The number of leavers rose from about 40,000 a year until 2019 to over 60,000 in 2023. Emigration is hurting state tax revenues, with a loss of about 7.5 billion shekels in 2024.

A study by the Israel Tax Authority, conducted by Nili Ben Tovim and Dr. Ariel Greizes, reveals a surge in emigration from Israel, particularly among the top income decile and those aged 40-50. The number of leavers who are not new immigrants was stable at just over 40,000 a year until 2019, but rose to over 60,000 in 2023. The increase was especially notable among high-tech workers, whose numbers jumped by 150%, and among healthcare workers, whose numbers doubled. Emigration is hurting state tax revenues: the total income of leavers rose from about 3 billion shekels in 2015 to about 7.5 billion in 2024, and their tax payments grew from 480 million shekels to 1.2 billion. The study also notes an increase in money transfers out of Israel, especially among leavers. The author notes that the trend reflects despair with the state and harms essential professions. Also mentioned is the strengthening of the shekel, which hurt the profitability of manufacturing in Israel.