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Families nationwide discuss leaving. Shirlee's reflects others. Haaretz identified her only by first name. Every family dinner discussion includes emigration considerations.
Two of her three sons left earlier. In February, Nir left. He joined his brother, Idan, in Toronto. The youngest brother is about to begin compulsory military service.
Idan went to Toronto to study. He got involved in Jewish community activities. He went to work for a large local company. He had many options. He chose Canada.
Nir left because "no one cared about him here," said Shirlee. "The people that get preferred are the ones who don't serve, don't contribute and don't work, and in the end there is the difficulty of finding a job that suits his skills and will give him and his future family a decent living."She understands Idan's feelings. She wishes otherwise. "We did not educate our children to leave."
"We are very involved and active socially, and we find it sad that they do not see their future in this country."
"We educated them that this is our home and our country, and that it's wrong to give up your country."
"For us as parents, it is very difficult. We are left alone and it also involves a breakdown of values. This was not our dream." Israel's finest sons and daughters are leaving, she added.
"They are good, high-quality people who can contribute - from doctors and nurses to engineers."
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