Leaving Israel is Easier Than Ever
Shira Z. Carmel, an Israeli-born singer-songwriter, made the difficult decision to leave Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and left the country reeling. She and her family boarded a flight to Australia, citing the need to get out of harm’s way for a while, but also aware of the shame and strain it would cause for those who chose to stay.
Carmel is not alone in her decision. Since the attack, thousands of Israelis have chosen to relocate to countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia, according to government statistics and immigration tallies. This exodus has raised concerns about a potential “brain drain” in critical sectors like medicine and technology.
The numbers are staggering. Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics estimated that 40,600 Israelis departed the country long-term in the first seven months of 2024, a 59% increase over the same period the previous year. This trend is likely to continue, with more people leaving Israel than arriving in 2024.
The attack on Oct. 7, 2023, shattered the sense of safety and security that was once a hallmark of Israel’s founding promise. For some, this was a wake-up call to reevaluate their priorities, and for others, it was a push to abandon their lives in Israel altogether.
Gil Fire, a specialist at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, has seen a significant number of his star specialists waver about returning to Israel after the war. “It’s an issue of concern” for him, he said, adding that he’s planning in-person visits with these doctors to try to draw them back to Israel.
Michal Harel, who moved to Toronto in 2019, has set up a website to help other Israelis navigate the relocation process, which can be complex and costly. The site has received thousands of inquiries and views from Israeli expats, who are seeking advice and guidance on making the move.
Not everyone can simply pack their bags and move abroad, however. Many Israelis do not have foreign passports, jobs at multinational corporations, or the ability to work remotely. Those in Gaza, where over 45,000 people have been killed, have even less choice.
The departures have been dubbed a “descent” or “yerida” in Hebrew, a term that is often stigmatized in Israeli society. The sacred trust and social contract that exists between the state and its citizens is built on the idea that Israelis will serve in the military, pay high taxes, and stay in the country to work and fight for its survival.
Yet, for some, like Carmel, the decision to leave is not a difficult one. She had opposed the government’s efforts to overhaul the legal system and was part of the anti-government protests of 2023, donning a red handmaid’s robe to make a statement. The Hamas attack and her own fears for her safety and the safety of her family made her realize that it was time to leave for good.
