Hi ,
A new study by Yaakov Feitelson presents Israel's latest demographic figures and explains how the demographic trend has become a source of dramatic growth for the Jewish majority. Also in this month's newsletter – extensive updates on the 'Blue and White' Human Rights Movement's activity and information about tours in Hebrew and English as part of the initiative 'This is Jerusalem' – Geopolitical Tours of the Capital.
Enjoy Reading!
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A New Study: How did the Demographic Time Bomb become the Demographic Miracle?
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Every so often, we hear the claim from researchers and policy makers according to which the growth rate of the Arab population between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean will, in the near future, lead to the replacement of an Arab majority instead of the Jewish majority of today. This concern, known as the "demographic time bomb", constitutes a matter of controversy among different demographers and arouses an intense argument in the public and academic discourse within Israel.
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The objective of this study, composed by Yaakov Feitelson, is to ascertain an accurate picture of the demographic reality in Israel and assess the true magnitude of the demographic trends.
The study examined the development of overall fertility among the different populations living in Israel according to nationality, religion and the various areas of the country throughout a range of periods.
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Furthermore, we compared this development with the general trends of fertility in the world and among populations of different countries in the Middle East. The findings shed light on trends in the growth of the Jewish and Arab population during the last 60 years and also, regarding expectations for the future.
The data presented in the study dispels any rational fear of the "demographic time bomb": It describes a demographic turnaround in favor of the Jewish population as the result of a growth in the level of general fertility. It shows that this conclusion is congruent with general demographic trends and is no exception to large scale demographic trends.
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In light of the great demand, we will conduct two tours this month, one in Hebrew and one in English, as part of the initiative 'This is Jerusalem' – Geopolitical Tours of the Capital, which we launched to mark the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem's reunification.
The tour in English will take place on Friday, March 16 between 9:00-13:00. The tour in Hebrew will take place on Friday, March 23 at the same times. Each tour costs NIS 30.
For more details and registration, please send an e-mail to Nicolas, our Tours Coordinator.
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This month we conducted a tour of the Rachel Crossing for the pupils of the "Reut" High School in Jerusalem.
The tour took place after our previous meeting during which we discussed with them the values of the IDF and the challenges and moral dilemmas they may encounter during their army service.
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Questions always exist regarding the ability to explain the complex reality to school pupils and the challenge of providing them with tools to internalize and discuss the issues that arise from the activity at the crossing.
Happily, we discovered youngsters who succeeded in conducting a discussion in a mature and inspirational manner, with everyone receiving an opportunity to express their opinion and experience of the tour.
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We designed this unique program, that consists of 3 different meetings, together with the school's education coordinator Noam Gesundheit, who was also previously involved in our Checkpoints Program. We are very grateful for this cooperation and for the involvement of all our volunteers in the movement's activities.
We would be pleased to coordinate meetings and tours with other groups!
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How do you talk about the IDF spirit with Arab pupils?
At the ORT Lilienthal High School in Ramla, Jewish and Arab pupils study together. We took up the challenge and this month, Yossi – from the dedicated team at the Institute - conducted the seventh meeting of the "Biglal HaRuach' workshop.
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You may ask: Why bother?
Because we believe that even among sectors of the population for whom IDF service is not obvious, the 'Biglal HaRuach' program can play an important role, by helping the pupils become better citizens, and not just soldiers.
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There are only a few days remaining to submit your CV for the 'Biglal HaRuach' stipend: our IDF values-based preparatory program is expanding and we are looking for instructors for schools in Sderot and Rehovot. Further information and detailed job description appear in the enclosed notice.
Participants in the program will receive a yearly stipend of NIS 4,000.
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What do you do at a social evening of an Institute where the CEO is a great cook and the Projects Director is a restaurant blogger? That's right, you eat…
This month we held an evening for the staff and interns, at which, aside from the great feeling of a meaningful meeting with everyone, and the sense of pride at belonging to such a talented and high-quality group of people, we were hosted at the CEO Miri Shalem's home and enjoyed tasting some really special food…
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We are Moving!
As you read this newsletter, we are moving to our new offices in the 'Civil Society House' on the 6th floor of the Jerusalem Central Bus Station.
We hope that our new location will make it easier for you to come and visit us… :-)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kohelet Policy Forum for their hospitality during the last 4 years.
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The following articles were published by members of the Institute and contain references to a wide range of issues on the public agenda:
English:
- Institute Chairman, Dr. Yoaz Hendel, reveals surprising figures about the expulsion of illegal migrant workers in Western countries (Yediot Aharonot).
- Founding Chairman of the Institute, Yisrael Harel, issues a reminder that settlement is a Zionist value, not revenge for murder (Ha'aretz).
Hebrew:
- Institute CEO, Miri Shalem, presents the need for a balance between safeguarding security and the right to privacy (Makor Rishon).
- Adi Arbel, our project manager, reviewes the implications of the new movie: Sallah, Po Ze Eretz Yisrael (Be'Sheva).
- Director of the Blue&White Human Rights movement, Nave Dromi, criticizes intellectuals possessing the sophistication level of a bathroom. (Ha'aretz).
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