The number of yordim–Israelis leaving the country to settle abroad–increased sharply last year. The Bank of Israel reported that 10,000 left in 1984. The Central Bureau of Statistics put the figure at 17,000.
Each institution used a different system of calculation but both showed a seriously disturbing rise in yordim. In 1983, only 4,700 Israelis emigrated.
Yosef Kochik, assistant to the Minister of Absorption in charge of discouraging emigration, predicted over the weekend that the number of yordim will be even higher in 1985, because of the economic crisis and the failure of government institutions to assist discharged soldiers and young married couples who can’t find homes.
Labor MK Ora Namir has presented an urgent agenda motion in the Knesset to discuss the problem.
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