The governor of the Bank of Israel, Stanley Fischer, on August 2 outlined a vision of Israeli living standards overtaking those in the West, tempting back migrants who left in search of work or education.

Speaking at an annual event held by Gvahim, an organisation that helps skilled immigrants find work, Fischer said: "I hope the day will come when Israel's standard of living will surpass that of most Western countries." He said Israel was growing at a "reasonable" rate of 3%, adding that this