According to Ministry of Health officials, the number of suicide deaths in Eretz Yisrael among new immigrants has risen, registered at 30% in 2004-2006 as compared to 25% in 1996-2003.

In 2000-2006, there was an increase in suicides among the immigrant communities from Ethiopia and FSU. In 2004-2006, the suicide rate among males from the FSU (Former Soviet Union) who arrived in Israel beginning in 1990 was double the rate of Jewish males born in Israel.

In 2000-2006, an average of 77 youths took their own lives each year; 66 males and 11 females between the ages of 15-24. The report adds that in recent years, the numbers have stabilized.

Dr. Yitzchak Kadmon, who heads Israel’s Child Welfare Council laments the fact that despite the alarming statistics, the government continues to cut budgets to agencies responsible for dealing with children in crisis and other situations requiring professional intervention.

The report also states that during the last decade, 300 people a year take their own life in Israel, with 75% being males.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)