The implications to the envirnment and to the overall level of economic/mental health in israel as a result of such high birth rates have not been examined yet. The outrage in this "battle of the birthrates" is that it`s happening in a part of the world that is ecologically super-fragile, with limited resources making such growth unsustainable. The only trend I see is one towards Hong Kong-nization of the country with increasing population density and reduced quality of life (already not the highest exactly - especially in over-crowded urban areas).
I assume that someone will also care to break down these numbers between babies born to orthodox vs regular parents. Once that`s done, I`m sure the next trends will become obvious: a shift in balance of populations towards the ultra-religious sector. What that means is anyone`s - and everyone`s - guess.
Upshot is that such a high birthrate in this day and age is nothing to celebrate. But kudos to the Arab population for their progress. |
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