Last year, 4,200 Israelis abroad came back to Israel, most from U.S.

[Shammu]

Last year, 4,200 Israelis abroad came back to Israel, most from U.S.
By Amiram Barkat, Haaretz Correspondent, and Haaertz Service

In 2005, a total of 4,200 Israelis living abroad returned to Israel Absorption Ministry figures show.

Most of those who returned were living in the United States, Israel Radio said.

The ministry is launching a marketing campaign in North America to encourage Israelis living abroad to return to Israel.

The NIS 1.5 million campaign, which will include broadcasts on the "Israeli Network" satellite and Internet channel, among other outlets, will focus on publicizing employment opportunities in Israel for returning residents.

According to a 2005 survey by the ministry, 64 percent of Israelis living abroad ranked employment as the critical factor in their decision on returning to Israel, followed by their children's education and housing options.

Ministry figures show that about 600,000 Israelis have left the country to live abroad. About 60 percent of them live in the U.S. and Canada, 25 percent in Europe and 15 percent in other locales.

Last year, 4,200 Israelis abroad came back to Israel, most from U.S.