Almost one in five young sabra adults believes that Israel should stop welcoming new immigrants, according to a new survey.
Tel Aviv University pollster Camil Fuchs asked Israeli-born Jews aged 18-25 about their views on immigration, and asked immigrants of the same age about their integration, ahead of the Immigrant and Absorption Ministry's annual conference last week.
The state of Israel was established by immigrants, and throughout its history, governments have encouraged immigration. But 17 per cent of the Israeli-born respondents said it is time for Israel to stop "absorbing" immigrants. This term is shorthand in Israel for the government-funded process of helping them settle down, learn the language and find employment opportunities.
The poll also found that 10 per cent of Israeli-born respondents consider immigrants a "burden" and 9 per cent thought that they should live separately from the rest of the population.
