Weekly Commentary: The Ultimate Answer to the So-Called Demographic
Challenge
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 16 June 2011

For years the “demographic problem” has served as an argument of last resort
for proponents of quick, dirty and hopelessly-doomed-to-failure “peace”
initiatives.

And there is some logic to this approach.

After all, no one outside of the secular messianic “peace camp” accepts the
premise that “land for piece of paper” will ultimately yield peace rather
than conflict. War with the Jewish State with significantly inferior
conditions on the ground as compared to today.

Does Israel indeed face a demographic challenge?

A number of Israelis have done excellent work demonstrating that demographic
projections indicate a stable Jewish majority over time.

Yet despite this ongoing research, the demographic argument continues to be
raised by people who either have more pessimistic projections or who contend
that the projected Arab representation in the population, though far from
approaching a majority, are unacceptably high.

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.”

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il