This study is based on a survey of demographic statistics and deals with Jewish immigration into Palestine considered to be one of the most important demographic and political phenomena of the region. Over 1,750,000 Jews have immigrated to Palestine over the past 40 years. The immigrants, most of whom are educated, have come from all over the world.

In the mid – 1980s, the number of settlers leaving Palestine was greater than the number of immigrants, an important factor in this balance being military success. It is clear that, contrary to what has been officially stated, the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem have become focal areas for settling new immigrants, especially since 1987. The study also deals with immigration of Soviet Jews, who numbered a quarter million in 1989. They are well - educated and are considered more loyal to their new country and more stable than other migrant groups. It is expected that 60,000 will come to Palestine from the Soviet Union each year throughout the 1990s. This will change the political and demographic situation, and will hinder hopes of a peaceful solution to the Middle East problem.*