For thousands of Israelis, the promise of Israel as a safe haven for Jews has been shattered in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. On that fateful day, the world watched in horror as Hamas militants breached Israel’s defences, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250 more in a surprise attack that caught the Israeli military off guard. The shockwaves from that attack — often referred to as Israel’s 9/11 — left many Israelis questioning their sense of security.
While Israel’s founding vision was to be a sanctuary for Jews worldwide, many now feel it is no longer the safe place it once was. This has led to a sharp increase in emigration, with more Israelis choosing to leave their homeland than ever before. Among them is Carmel, an Israeli-born singer, who, after the attack, along with her husband and child, made the difficult decision to leave Israel for Australia. As Carmel explained, the decision was not easy, but it was driven by a need to escape from constant trauma and to find some peace in a world that had turned upside down.
The Exodus Begins: Israelis Leaving in Record Numbers
Following the events of October 7, 2023, the number of Israelis leaving the country has surged to unprecedented levels. Government statistics and immigration data from countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia suggest a significant uptick in the number of Israelis seeking refuge elsewhere.
In the first seven months of 2024, 40,600 Israelis departed, marking a staggering 59% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The reason behind this migration is clear: many Israelis no longer feel that Israel is the haven it once promised to be.
What Changed on October 7?
For many, October 7, 2023, will forever be the day that Israel’s sense of security was irrevocably broken.
- Hamas militants infiltrated Israel’s border defences, killing hundreds and abducting civilians.
- The Israeli military response was delayed by hours, leaving the country vulnerable and exposed.
- The siege of southern Israel and the unprecedented civilian casualties marked a dark chapter in the nation’s history.
As Israel grapples with the fallout from this attack, the emotional toll has led many citizens to seek safety abroad. The trauma of that day continues to haunt thousands of families, leading them to question whether staying in Israel is worth the personal and emotional cost.
Why Are Israelis Leaving Now?
The reasons why Israelis are leaving are varied, but the emotional and psychological toll of the October 7 attack is one of the driving factors. Many Israelis are simply tired of living in fear. They want to escape from the constant threat of violence and the instability that has defined Israel’s security landscape for decades.
- Fear of more attacks: The events of October 7 have heightened the sense of vulnerability among many Israelis. People who once felt safe in their homes now worry about the next attack.
- Psychological toll: The trauma of witnessing the destruction, losing loved ones, and the emotional toll on children has driven many to seek a new life in a safer place.
- Economic opportunities: Countries like Canada and Australia offer job opportunities, healthcare, and social safety nets that Israel can no longer guarantee in the face of the ongoing security situation.
The Impact on Israel’s Workforce
One of the biggest concerns for Israel is the potential loss of talent as thousands of skilled professionals leave the country. Doctors, tech workers, and other highly trained individuals are among the groups most likely to emigrate.
- Healthcare: At Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, some of the country’s top doctors have expressed hesitations about returning after completing their fellowships abroad. This poses a direct threat to Israel’s healthcare system, already stretched thin by the ongoing conflict.
- Tech industry: Israel’s technology sector, often dubbed the “Start-Up Nation,” may also face a brain drain as talented professionals leave for more stable environments. The high cost of living and the uncertain security situation make it harder for Israelis to see a long-term future in the country.
A Family Decision: Carmel’s Journey to Australia
For Carmel, the decision to leave Israel was not made lightly. As a new mother, the chaos and uncertainty of living in Israel during wartime became too much to bear. Carmel’s brother, who had lived in Australia for two decades, offered a potential lifeline — a flight out of Israel for free, along with a job opportunity for her husband. It was an offer they could not refuse.
“I’m not going to go back to try to give birth in the war,” Carmel recalls, reflecting on the decision months later. After weighing the options, she and her family decided to stay in Australia “for now,” even as the family strain and shame of leaving lingered. Despite the difficult choice, Carmel feels a sense of relief in her new home. The trauma of daily life in Israel has been replaced with a new beginning in a place that offers peace and stability.
The Emotional Strain of Leaving Israel
Leaving Israel, especially after the October 7 attack, is a deeply emotional decision. Yerida (emigration) has long been seen as a betrayal by many in Israeli society, particularly during the early years of the country’s existence. For Carmel and others like her, this emotional baggage can make the decision to leave even harder.
- The social contract: Israelis have always been expected to stay and contribute to the country’s survival. Leaving, particularly during times of crisis, feels like a break in that sacred trust.
- Shame and guilt: Many Israelis, especially those who have lived through war, feel immense shame in choosing to leave, even when the decision is rooted in survival and self-preservation.
But, as more Israelis emigrate, the stigma surrounding yerida seems to be loosening. In the wake of the October 7 attacks, leaving Israel has become an understandable response for those seeking peace.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Israel and Its People
The October 7 Hamas attacks have changed everything for Israel. The emotional toll of the violence, the collapse of the security assurances that have held the country together for decades, and the ongoing trauma have left many Israelis questioning their place in the country. While some hope for a return to normalcy, others like Carmel have found new lives abroad, seeking safety and stability in countries like Australia, Canada, and Germany.
The increasing number of Israelis leaving is reshaping the social fabric of the country. While the brain drain may pose a challenge for Israel’s economy and workforce, it also underscores the deep psychological wounds left by the attack. In the years to come, we may see more and more Israelis choosing to leave the country, and the stigma surrounding emigration may finally give way to the reality that for some, finding peace means leaving Israel behind.
Photo credit: NDTV
