Tel Aviv University Study Finds Israeli Emigration Trend Continues Into 2025

A new study by researchers at Tel Aviv University, analyzing data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, reveals that the emigration trend from Israel has persisted through 2025. Approximately 91,000 Israeli citizens left the country for at least three consecutive months in 2025, a figure similar to 2024's 91,499 and higher than 2023's 86,509. Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 268,509 Israelis emigrated for extended periods, significantly exceeding the 183,219 recorded between 2013 and 2015.

The study, conducted by Prof. Itai Ater, Prof. Natai Bergman, and doctoral candidate Doron Zamir, uses the three-month absence metric due to the unavailability of official 12-month emigration data. The researchers note a strong correlation (0.96) between the two measures, estimating that 45,000 to 50,000 Israelis will meet the official definition of emigrants in 2025.

Prof. Ater expressed concern over the sustained high numbers, stating that while the current figures do not pose an immediate threat to Israel's resilience, continued trends could jeopardize national security and the economy. The study highlights that the public debate on emigration intensified after late 2022 amid political crises, public protests, and the war following the October 7 attacks.

Previous research cited in the study points to significant emigration among doctors, PhD holders, engineers, academics, and high-income earners. The researchers warn that further political, security, or economic crises could trigger a snowball effect, accelerating emigration and potentially causing severe damage to Israel's society and economy.