The Youth of Today: Choosing to Stay in Israel

Political commentator Amit Segal addressed in his column in "Yedioth Ahronoth" a study by the Panels Institute, showing positive findings about Israeli youth. The study revealed "very interesting conclusions about those aged 16 to 25, showing high optimism and better outcomes than the previous generation."

According to the study, 59% of young people claim there is no place for Israelis other than the Land of Israel. Only 20% said they are disheartened by the country and are considering leaving. Moreover, 58% heard positive things about Israel, with only 14% negative messages. In addition, 57% believe Israel will emerge victorious from the current crisis, relying on a strong military.

Segal wrote about this: "In short, armed with optimism. Gil Samsonov, one of the owners of the agency (who conducted the survey), believes this generation is more similar to the independence generation than to that of their parents. Their parents grew up on 'Let us walk to a dream without race or nation,' the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, in the Oslo and New Middle East atmosphere. Today's young people were born into the Second Intifada and the Second Lebanon War and 'sword and spear.' They are more realistic than their parents regarding life in the Middle East, but their conclusions are not to move to Berlin, but to stay here."

Additionally, Segal ironically referred to the previous forecasts predicting mass emigration and reserve service refusal before the war, writing: "The opposite seems to be happening, apparently not just since October 7. This generation's cultural heroes are not draft-dodging singers but Idan Amedi. No wonder even Yehoram Gaon and Naomi Shemer have suddenly made a comeback on the radio."