I can sort of understand the ultra-Orthodox, who have many revered rabbis and sages who came from Ukraine. There is a LOT of history there. Nevertheless, if you are not Orthodox, why live in a country that is SIX times poorer than Israel on a per-capita basis and is on the brink of a civil war? It doens't make sense.

Why do Jews live in Israel? A country at war for 65 years. After the devastation of WWII, another 23,000 Jews killed because of the state. A milion Israelis have left to find a better life in USA and GERMANY!!!! Indeed, why do Jews live in Israel?

Mostly for Israel, a lot for other countries. You might wish to compare GDP/capita to see why. Jewish population in Ukraine is but a shadow of its former self. The new freedoms came too late for most. Israel sure has its problems but there are not too many countries that do better, mostly in North/West Europe and North America. And some Jews prefer being home, odd as it may sound.

Just like in Outremont, Kiryas Joel, Caracas, San Paulo, Buenos Aires or any place on God's green earth they're loved so much by their neighbors they need protection ,...