Population Registry statistics show that the population of Yesha increased by almost 6% in 2004, to a total of more than 250,000. This total does not include the Six Day War-liberated neighborhoods of Jerusalem, in which live almost the same amount as in all of Yesha.
The communities of Gush Katif, in Gaza, show the highest increase – close to 10%. The number of Jews in this area in 2004 was 8,550 people, up from 7,820 the year before. The growth in 2004 was about equal to the total growth in the three previous years.
Most of the new Gush Katif residents arrived during the second half of 2004, when signs of the disengagement plan became more concrete.
The largest number of new families - 35 - arrived in N'vei Dekalim, and city elders say that the numbers would be considerably higher if there were more empty apartments. As is known, construction in Gush Katif is frozen, by government order.
New families arrived in 2004 in every Jewish community in Gaza, including one to Dugit, 18 to Netzarim, 10 each to Kfar Darom, Atzmona, Gadid and Netzer Hazani, and between 2-6 families to each of nine communities.
The four northern Shomron communities slated for destruction under PM Sharon's disengagement/expulsion plan also grew during the past year. The number of residents in Sa-Nur nearly tripled, from 38 in 2003 to 105 this past year. Kadim grew by 12% to 169 residents, and the populations of Ganim and Hermesh increased respectively by 6 and 7%.
The communities of Gush Katif, in Gaza, show the highest increase – close to 10%. The number of Jews in this area in 2004 was 8,550 people, up from 7,820 the year before. The growth in 2004 was about equal to the total growth in the three previous years.
Most of the new Gush Katif residents arrived during the second half of 2004, when signs of the disengagement plan became more concrete.
The largest number of new families - 35 - arrived in N'vei Dekalim, and city elders say that the numbers would be considerably higher if there were more empty apartments. As is known, construction in Gush Katif is frozen, by government order.
New families arrived in 2004 in every Jewish community in Gaza, including one to Dugit, 18 to Netzarim, 10 each to Kfar Darom, Atzmona, Gadid and Netzer Hazani, and between 2-6 families to each of nine communities.
The four northern Shomron communities slated for destruction under PM Sharon's disengagement/expulsion plan also grew during the past year. The number of residents in Sa-Nur nearly tripled, from 38 in 2003 to 105 this past year. Kadim grew by 12% to 169 residents, and the populations of Ganim and Hermesh increased respectively by 6 and 7%.