Europe: Emigration of Jews: what is the main factor?

Via European Jewish Press:

"The emigration of the Jews in Europe depends on several  factors: economy, Muslim emigration, revival of nationalism and the level of development of the country of origin," Sergio Della Pergola, an expert in  demography, told European Jewish Press. 

''According to the data I have studied and will be soon published in my article (Jewish Demography in the European Union - Virtuous and Vicious Paths), the correlation between the decision to emigrate is more related to an economic problem than an anti-Semitic atmosphere," he declared. 

Della Pergola is  a professor emeritus at the Jerusalem Hebrew University’s Harman Institute of Contemporary Jewry, which he chaired for seven years. He holds the Shlomo Argov Chair in Israel-Diaspora Relations.  (...)

"Whether or not to make Aliyah or immigration in Israel, depends on the success of immigrant integration in Israel. If the number of disappointments grows, olim numbers from European countries will decrease. For example, between 2014 and 2015 there was an absolute record of people arrived in Israel from Italy, France and Belgium. In 2016, the year in which there have been more terrorist attacks in Europe, fewer Jews have decided to leave their country. In France figures show 4100 olim (immigrants) from France against 6500 in 2015. The same trend can be shown for Italy. The probability of success and the quality of life are important factors.’’ (...)

There is also an internal emigration of European Jews. "In recent years many French Jews have moved to England, now there is a stop due to Brexit," Della Pergola said.

Is there still a place for Jews in Europe? 

"All European authorities in every country have appealed to the Jews to stay. Current governments behave very well. The risk is that with the strengthening of the nationalist movements, life may become less enjoyable. European Jews are at the window. They are expecting to understand the economic responses to new political movements. We are far from a disintegration of the European Union, but it is worrying  that we talk about it," he said.

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