- January 24, 2025
- 12:33 am
- Ukraine
Ukraine and Israel are often compared in the context of reforms, military experience and international interaction.
But a demographic catastrophe, low birth rate and mass emigration put an end to attempts to present Ukraine as a “second Israel.”
Demography: the foundation of any nation
Any reforms and development programs are impossible without a stable and growing population. Ukraine's demographic profile is its main problem.
Unlike Israel, where the birth rate is maintained at 3.1 children per woman, Ukraine faces a rate of 0.7.
This is not just a low figure, it is a signal of a national catastrophe.
The average life expectancy of men in Ukraine is only 57 years. By comparison, men in Israel live to an average of 81 years. The bulk of the Ukrainian population is concentrated in the age group of 35–45 years, which is explained by the demographic surge of 1991, but practically no new youth are being born.
Table: Demographic indicators of Ukraine and Israel
| Indicator | Ukraine | Israel |
|---|---|---|
| Fertility rate | 0.7 | 3.1 |
| Average life expectancy | Men: 57 years old | Men: 81 years old |
| Share of youth | <20% | >30% |
| Diaspora size | ≈10 million people | ≈6 million people |
Why is Ukraine not “suited” to the role of a second Israel?
1. Low birth rate
The decline in the birth rate in Ukraine is associated with economic instability, lack of government support for families and mass emigration.
2. Mass emigration
The Ukrainian diaspora abroad numbers about 10 million people, which is comparable to the population of the country itself. Unlike Israel, which attracts repatriates, Ukraine is losing its citizens.
3. Medical crisis
The quality of medical care in Ukraine remains extremely low, which leads to high mortality among men and women of working age.
4. Lack of national idea
Israel is united by the idea of restoring its historical homeland. In Ukraine, there is no such consolidating goal that could stimulate the return of citizens.
What should Ukraine learn from Israel?
Repatriation program
Israel has achieved success thanks to the aliyah program – the return of Jews to their historical homeland. Ukraine could develop a similar program aimed at returning Ukrainians from abroad.
Family support
Israel actively stimulates the birth rate through financial support for large families. Ukraine should introduce similar mechanisms.
Investments in education and medicine
Israel invests heavily in healthcare and education, which directly impacts life expectancy and the quality of human capital.
Geopolitical partnership
Israel builds its security and economy in close partnership with the United States. Ukraine needs to build strategic relationships with allies that will help stabilize the internal situation.
Demographics is a matter of survival
The future of a nation is determined not only by politics and economics, but also by its ability to reproduce. Without radical demographic reforms, Ukraine risks losing a significant part of its population. Unlike Israel, where the government is focusing on population growth, Ukraine is facing a declining trend.
“Demography is not just statistics, it is a matter of the survival of a nation,” emphasizes the NAnovosti expert.
Ukraine and Israel: common features and differences
Both countries faced existential threats. But if Israel was able to create a national model based on the idea of restoring the historical homeland, then Ukraine will have to solve the problems associated with mass emigration, an aging population and a declining birth rate.
On our website NAnews – Israel News you will find more analytics and examples of successful reforms that unite peoples and countries.
source – gazeta.ua
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