Israeli JEWISH birthrates on the rise

Arutz Sheva News Service, http://israelnationalnews.com/

ISRAELI JEWISH BIRTHRATES ON THE RISE

Contrary to most demographic predictions regarding the population statistics of Israel, a revolution of sorts is underway in the Jewish Israeli birthrate. According to a Health Ministry report, the Jewish Israeli birthrate is on the rise, while the Arab Israeli birthrate remains unchanged.

In Israel of 2003, 144,625 babies were born, representing an increase of 3.4% over 2002. A breakdown of the statistics reveals that the Jewish population saw an increase of 4.8% and the Arab population saw no change.

In addition, the Health Ministry reported, there was a notable decline in infant mortality in 2003. During the year, 718 newborns died, representing 4.96 deaths per every thousand live births. In 2002, the statistic was 5.5 per every thousand. Infant mortality among Arabs is double that among Jews. The most common cause of infant mortality for all populations is premature birth.