Context: A Nation at a Crossroads
The recent reflections on a deadly strike in Gaza, seen through the eyes of a grieving mother, underline a stark reality: the Jewish state lives under a volatile umbrella of threats. Barbara Lubliner, widow of Sgt. Arie Lubliner z”l, spoke of a message she believes her husband wanted to leave: a call for broad and inclusive service—”including all the religious groups of the country.” Her words, shared in a broadcast, remind us that Israel’s strength rests not only on hard power but on a society prepared to mobilize across diverse stripes of identity. This moment invites a broader examination: should Israel diversify risk by keeping the country’s binding ties strong with Jews at home and in the diaspora, and by welcoming newcomers who enrich its intellectual and economic fabric? The concept of “spreading risk” becomes a practical lens for policy and future planning.
Migration as a Two-Way Engine
Israel’s demography resembles a living, revolving door: new arrivals learn the country’s rhythms, while returning residents bring back knowledge, capital, and networks from abroad. The country benefits from a steady influx of talent and a steady outflow of people seeking opportunities elsewhere—and yet many ultimately return with fresh insights. This cycle, though not devoid of hardship, acts as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural understanding. For a nation fighting on multiple fronts, such a two-way exchange can sustain development where a single, insular approach might fail.
Demographic Pulse: Who is Here and Who Comes
Today, roughly 7.3 million Jews live in Israel, representing just over 46% of the world’s Jewish population. An additional 555,000 non‑Jews have been granted status under the Law of Return, a reminder that the state’s demographic canvas is broader than a single identity. Arabs constitute about 21.5% of the population, roughly 2.213 million people, a community whose growth and integration continue to shape policy and social cohesion. In 2024 alone, 5,000 Arabs became citizens, underscoring how citizenship and belonging in a melting-pot society remain dynamic and evolving.
On the immigration front, תשפ”ה (the Hebrew year 5785) saw about 25,000 new immigrants, while the decade ending in 2024 added roughly 338,915 arrivals—an average of 33,892 per year. Ukraine’s war in 2022 produced a noticeable spike, with 74,807 Jews and others moving to Israel. Yet the data also reveal continued outflows: in the Hebrew year just completed, the net migration was negative by about 28,000, reflecting that emigration remains a real factor even as Israel remains an immigration magnet. Over 2018–2024, roughly 322,600 Israelis left, with about 175,100 returning, yielding a net outflow of about 147,500.
Why Spreading Risk Matters
The central question—why not enlist every Jew in defense of the state—points to a broader strategic truth: risk is best managed through a diversified, resilient system. A dual dynamic exists: a robust defense posture at home and a well-structured diaspora relationship abroad. The “circulation” of people, ideas, and capital across borders creates a multiplier effect: it feeds Israel’s innovation ecosystem, enriches its labor force, and strengthens its security envelope by widening the circle of stakeholders invested in Israel’s future.
Policy Implications: A Balanced Strategy
Embracing a two-way misira—returning residents and welcoming immigrants—requires policies that both unlock opportunity and ensure belonging. Retaining highly skilled workers, enabling returning researchers to translate global experience into local productivity, and sustaining inclusive defense and civic engagement for all communities can fortify social cohesion. Simultaneously, welcoming new Jewish and non‑Jewish residents who bring expertise, languages, and networks expands Israel’s knowledge base and markets. A resilient Israel needs a diaspora strategy that honors the bonds of memory while enabling practical integration and mobility.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic, Resilient Israel
As Barbara Lubliner’s statement framed a moment of personal sacrifice, so too should policy makers frame a national strategy: in a world where threats can bloom quickly, Israel must not rely on a single vector of defense or a single source of human capital. By spreading risk—through balanced immigration, meaningful integration, and a vibrant diaspora—the country can strengthen its security, diversify its economy, and sustain its cultural and intellectual vitality for generations to come. In times of war and anti-Semitism’s global currents, the call to unity should be matched by a pragmatic approach to population dynamics and international ties, ensuring that the Jewish people remain resilient wherever they choose to live.
