# Israel's Brain Drain Crisis > Israeli academics warn of mass exodus as political turmoil intensifies. - Title: Israel's Brain Drain Crisis · France24 | Shortify - Summary: Israeli academics warn of mass exodus as political turmoil intensifies. Over 50,000 Israeli graduates leave annually due to political instability under… - Keywords: israel, netanyahu, brain drain, tel aviv university, judicial overhaul, military service, ultra-orthodox, hamas, october 7, elections, seahawks, nfl - Source: France24 — https://france24.com/en/middle-east/20261020-i-don-t-recognise-the-country-i-grew-up-in-anymore-some-israelis-are-tempted-by-exile - Read time: 1 min - Topics: israel, netanyahu, brain drain, tel aviv university, judicial overhaul, military service, ultra-orthodox, hamas, october 7, elections, seahawks, nfl ## Brain drain under Netanyahu’s government Israeli graduates leaving the country at 50,000 per year since 2023. > For us, it’s clear that such a jump can only be explained by an event that occurred in Israel ## Who is leaving Doctors and engineers under 40 with high incomes make up 80 percent of emigrants. > The Israelis who emigrate are for the most part doctors or engineers and 80 percent of them are under 40 with high incomes ## Why they leave Political instability, wars, military service, and ultra-Orthodox funding drive departures. > You look at what has happened in Israel over the past four years and it’s crazy, no matter how you look at it: October 7, the wars in Lebanon and Gaza, the reservists’ draft, Iran ## Economic impact Israel’s economy depends on human capital, not natural resources like Venezuela or Iran. > The Israeli economy depends heavily on human capital. We don’t have natural resources, oil or things of the sort, unlike Venezuela or Iran ## Academic boycotts Researchers face boycotts and terminated collaborations due to Israel’s international image. > He added that, as Israel’s image around the world deteriorates, academics suffer from a lot of boycotts ## Election fears Right-wing victory in October 27 elections could accelerate brain drain. > While 150,000 graduates have already packed their bags since 2023, a victory by the right and the ultra-nationalist far right in the October 27 elections could, in his view, lead to even more departures ## Tamar’s decision 32-year-old product manager considers leaving with family due to government policies. > The 'endless wars', the influence of Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and 'Benjamin Netanyahu’s lies' have become unbearable ## Maya’s fears 42-year-old doctor worries about family safety and healthcare system collapse. > With tears in her eyes, she said she fears for her parents’ safety, who have displayed signs in their window showing their support for The Democrats ## Political polarization Netanyahu’s government fuels division over military service, Gaza, and political representation. > Israel’s first elections since the October 7 attacks reveal a society fractured by fear and anger ## Election strategy Tamar votes for Gadi Eisenkot, Maya for Yair Golan’s Democrats to stay in Israel. > On October 27, Tamar will vote for Gadi Eisenkot, the main opponent to Netanyahu, or former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett; while Maya will cast her ballot for Yair Golan’s Democrats ## What happens next If Netanyahu wins, more Israelis may leave permanently due to political instability. > I’m not afraid of being called a traitor because my husband and I have done our military service ## Key takeaway Over 50,000 Israeli graduates leave annually due to political instability under Netanyahu's government, with some considering permanent exile.