Key Insights from Israel: Strategies for Cultivating Parenthood Aspirations Among Young Individuals

In 2022, China's population growth witnessed its first decline in 60 years, contributing to a global "baby shortage" as highlighted by the British journal "Economist" in its cover article titled "How the Global Fertility Decline Will Change the World." However, Israel stands as an exception.

Ranked fourth among wealthy nations, Israel has experienced significant economic growth in recent years. As of 2023, it ranks 13th globally in GDP per capita at $58,270. The country boasts the world's fifth-most skilled workforce and holds the distinction of having the highest number of billionaires and wealth per inhabitant in the Middle East. In 2020, the average number of children born to Israeli women was 2.9, surpassing figures in countries like the UK (1.6) and France (1.8). Additionally, Israel's fertility rate outperformed that of many developing nations, including Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines, Egypt, Iran, and Turkey.

So, how has Israel managed to maintain a high birthrate? Religion plays a pivotal role. For Ultra-Orthodox Jews, marriage and child-rearing hold deep religious significance. Young men and women, at the age of 20 and 18, respectively, are introduced through arranged blind dates and often marry after just five meetings. Late marriage and remaining single beyond the age of 26 are viewed as unfortunate by most Jews. Consequently, only 5% of Israeli couples choose cohabitation over marriage, a stark contrast to the 12% in the US, 13% in Germany, 24% in Denmark, and 27% in Norway. In Israeli Muslim communities, divorce is prohibited, and women can only obtain a divorce if their husbands grant consent in court; otherwise, their children are considered "illegitimate."

Apart from its liberal approach, Israel leads the world in its vitro fertilization (IVF) rates and boasts the highest number of fertility centers per capita. The Israeli healthcare system is unique in fully covering reproductive treatments, including IVF. The government also subsidizes IVF, amounting to US$1.5 million annually.

In addition to fertility-focused policies, the Israeli Ministry of Aid and Social Security has established comprehensive support systems for marriage and childbirth. One month after giving birth, the government deposits a subsidy into women's bank accounts, with the amount determined by the number of children and reaching up to 24,033 Israeli New Shekels (approximately RMB 46,000). The government ensures women's rights to leave by providing nursing and parental leave, flexible work hours, and part-time employment options. Moreover, medical care, absenteeism, and career losses are covered by the government. Pregnant women can file discrimination complaints with the Ministry of Social Security for resolution, and government condolences are available for disabled mothers who give birth or face complications during delivery. Adoptive couples enjoy equal rights.

Post-marriage, it is common for Arab and East Asian women to become full-time housewives, which can lead to household economic challenges. In many countries with high female employment rates, fertility rates have declined. However, Israel has shown that women with higher education and incomes are more likely to have children and can achieve financial stability in spite of marrying early and having more children. Married women in Israel earn 20% more than their single counterparts and 2% more than divorced, separated, or widowed women, according to the Taub Center for Social Policy Study. While the average higher education rate in wealthy nations is 52%, Israeli women aged 25–34 have a 58% higher education rate. Consequently, divorce has minimal financial impact on Israeli women's lives and marital decisions.

The fertility and family values held by Jewish communities are deeply rooted in history. As a minority with a global diaspora population of just 25 million people, Jewish communities that have endured events such as the Holocaust and genocide have a unique perspective on the importance of reproduction. Many believe that "everything is God's will" when it comes to having children, and for Haredi Jews, childbirth is seen as a way to heal the trauma of the Holocaust.

Israel's favorable economic conditions enable Jewish families to have children without substantial financial burdens, as having more children boost the family's overall economic situation. The Jewish community is generally high-class, both domestically and abroad. Jewish mate selection emphasizes qualities such as wisdom, self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and high moral character.

While many Western liberal couples tend to have fewer children due to the high costs of education, housing, and other expenses, Israelis prioritize childbirth over financial considerations. They see children as a blessing rather than a burden, believing that wealth follows childbirth. The Jewish perspective on reproduction is accommodating, embracing technologies like artificial insemination, egg donation, in vitro fertilization, and surrogacy. Statistics reveal that 83% of Israeli Jewish children live with their grandparents, a significantly higher proportion than in Germany (30%). Strong family values and robust support networks are instrumental in safeguarding the tradition of childbirth.

Despite the envy of many countries regarding its high birth rate, Israel faces demographic challenges due to its proximity to Islamic nations. Thus, Israelis continue to experience a pressing demographic challenge.