Migrants from the Promised Land

In December 1983, Israeli radio and television blitzed the nation with programming on "yerida "--emigration from Israel. So much attention has been given to emigration that the casual observer might think it is the central threat to Israeli society. Demographics show that it is not, but emotions continue to run high on the subject.

In "Migrants from the Promised Land, "Zvi Sobel explores the reasons for emigration from contemporary Israel within the context of a far-ranging critical assessment of Israeli society and the Zionist enterprise. He asks why, in light of near devastating challenges to the survival of Israel, does emigration assume such overwhelming importance among both elites and masses. His analysis is based on intensive interviews with hundreds of people preparing to leave Israel and a thorough examination of all relevant demographics.