New study: 60% of children of yordim are not members of any Jewish community; 25% intermarry.
By JPOST.COM STAFFolim yordim 224.88(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
The young generation of Jews born to Israeli expatriates is in danger of losing its Jewish and Israeli identity, a first-of-its kind study reveals.
The Rapaport Center in Bar Ilan University found that children of Yordim, or Israelis who left the country to seek their fortune elsewhere, are undergoing a process of speedy assimilation, Israel Radio reported Saturday overnight.
A quarter of young Israelis living in Europe are intermarrying and 60 percent of them do not belong to any Jewish community and do not participate in any Jewish activities.
The study found a gap between the Israeli identity of expatriates, those born in Israel but decided to leave, and their children, who were born abroad. The parents' generation, despite having made the choice to leave the Jewish state, continues to retain its Jewish identity in the Diaspora.
However, a new plan penned by the Immigration Absorption Ministry promises bonuses to expatriates returning to Israel.
In 2007, 4,000 young Israelis returned to Israel.