In The Debate About The Demographics Of A Jewish Majority--Israel Has A Secret Weapon

I've written a number of posts about the issue of Israel and demographics--the latest one being Time To Admit Middle East Demographics Favor Israel And Not The Arabs, Dr. Aaron Lerner has a different angle on the issue.

According to Dr. Lerner there is an ace in the hole that can turn the demographic tide in favor of Israel

The debate over the demographic projections, however, typically only considers two groups: Jews and Arabs.

And that’s a mistake.


Because there are huge populations across the globe who identify themselves as being of Jewish lineage. People interested in “returning to the fold” and in turn immigrating to Israel.

Simply put, Israel, by choosing which groups to recognize as qualifying for “returning to the fold”, can tailor the programs to match the Jewish State’s demographic-balance needs.

Again. The demographic argument is bogus. Not because of the growth rate projections. Not because a given population share is acceptable. But because Israel has the option to essentially pick whatever Jewish majority it desires by modifying its policies towards different groups interested in “returning to the fold.”

I can imagine that there are many, many rabbis who would differ with Dr. Lerner on this approach--after all, what is the point of allowing these groups in when in fact they are not really Jewish?

It can be interpreted as an act of desperation that can only add fuel to the fire of the already heated argument of "who is a jew".

Technorati Tag: Israel and Demographics.