Australian aliyah numbers surge
In the wake of the October 7 attacks on Israel, a growing number of Australian Jews are responding to a long-held desire – the call to make Aliyah and build a life in the Jewish homeland.
Recent data from the Israel Aliyah Centre in Melbourne shows a dramatic 170 per cent increase in aliyah inquiries since October 7 compared to the same period last year.
“From October 7 until now, 154 people opened aliyah files and 225 made contact regarding making aliyah and wanting information,” reports Becky Kiper-Fox from the ZFA Israel Aliyah Centre.
“That’s compared to 92 opening files and 130 making contact in the same period the previous year.”
This surge in interest comes as no surprise to Rabbi James Kennard, former principal of Mount Scopus College, who recently made aliyah himself.
“Israel is where Jewish destiny is being forged,” Rabbi Kennard asserts.
“It’s very important that there’s a community serving Jews everywhere in the Diaspora, but ultimately, these places will be footnotes in a history of the Jews and Jerusalem and Tel Aviv will be the chapter headings,” he said.
The pull of Zionism vs. the push of antisemitism.
While rising antisemitism globally has contributed to the increased interest in aliyah, Kiper-Fox emphasises that for most Australian Jews, the primary motivation remains the positive pull of Israeli life rather than fleeing negative circumstances.
“Up until October 7, we had a lot of olim who were going simply because they wanted the vibrant life that Israel offers to young people, joining the new high-tech nation,” she explains.
“That pull factor is definitely still the main reason [but] antisemitism has had an effect … in Australia, definitely it’s making people think now’s the time to go.”
This sentiment is echoed by Nathan Joel, a young professional who made aliyah several years ago.
“I had a rich and full life in Australia with family, grandparents, friends, active Jewish communal involvement and exciting career possibilities – I wasn’t necessarily looking to leave,” Joel recalls. Instead, he was drawn by a combination of Zionist ideals, career opportunities and social factors.
“I’m a Zionist,” Joel states proudly.
“From a religious, cultural, historic and peoplehood perspective,
I believe that the State of Israel is one of the boldest and most important projects the Jewish people have ever undertaken.
“I wanted to be a part of it.”
A land of opportunity and challenge
For many Australian olim, Israel represents a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural richness.
Ben Pask, a corporate lawyer who made aliyah as a single 28-year-old, found that immersing himself in Israeli society rather than staying in his comfort zone was key.
“This means mixing with locals and engaging in the local cultural events, rather than hanging out with other Australians and watching the footy on TV on the weekends,” he said.
Pask has been lucky to have found a career at a leading Israeli law firm, “But given the nature of the firm, there are a lot of native English-speakers (including other Australians), which makes it the best place for me professionally as a corporate lawyer.”
The startup scene, in particular, has been a major draw for young professionals like Joel.
“From a career perspective, the chance to play a role in Israel’s startup scene was a major pull,” he explains.
“The chutzpah, the can-do attitude and the global thinking were all attractive aspects.”
But life in Israel isn’t without its challenges.
The ongoing security situation, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, weighs heavily on many olim.
Joel admits the war has been challenging.
“Having said that, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
For Shira and Shmuli Wenig, who made aliyah with their young family, the reality of conflict has hit close to home.
“Tragically we have lost friends and acquaintances from our community to terror and in the current war,” they said.
Despite this, they remain committed to their decision, stating, “We feel we are taking part in Jewish history and contributing to Am Yisrael just by living our routine daily lives.”
Family ties and cultural shifts
One of the most significant challenges for many Australian olim is the distance from family left behind.
“Being away from our families is difficult – especially not being there with them in both good and bad times and our kids not having the ongoing everyday relationship with their extended family that they would have in Melbourne,” the Wenigs explain.
This sentiment is shared by Joel, who notes, “Being far from family in Australia has been a challenge. I miss the large extended family gatherings that were a feature of growing up.”
However, many find that the cultural benefits of life in Israel outweigh these difficulties.
“Our lives as Jews are enhanced, feeling the chagim celebrated nationally and having cultural and Torah learning opportunities we wouldn’t have in Melbourne to the same degree,” the Wenigs enthuse.
Pask highlights the practical benefits of living in a Jewish state: “Not having to explain to colleagues that I cannot work from Friday afternoon to Saturday night every week and it not preventing my advancement at work and not having to justify taking off Jewish holidays.”
Advice for prospective olim
For those considering aliyah, learning Hebrew before arrival is universally recommended.
“Definitely learn Hebrew beforehand – we both came with good Hebrew and found it to be a huge advantage in multiple areas,” the Wenigs suggest.
They also say, “If you’re coming with kids, the younger the better.”
Joel stresses the importance of building a support network.
“Focus on building a network of people who you can turn to for advice on key questions e.g. career, where to live, how to negotiate with taxi drivers, whether to order falafel or shawarma and so on.”
Pask recommends a pilot trip to get a realistic sense of life in Israel.
“A carefully planned pilot trip will help you know whether it’s the right move for you once you’re here and you have experienced living in the country, rather than thinking about living here with rose-tinted glasses,” he explains.
The future of Australian Jewry
As aliyah numbers continue to rise, some may worry about the future of the Australian Jewish community.
Rabbi Kennard acknowledges this concern but sees it as part of a larger historical pattern.
“I think every Diaspora community, by definition, has a finite lifespan,” he reflects.
“In the United Kingdom, where I come from, there used to be a Jewish community at every stop on the train line from Hull to Liverpool and those communities have all gone. That’s the nature of Jewish life in the Diaspora.”
However, he remains optimistic about the long-term future of the Jewish people.
“There’s one place in the world where Jewish settlement is permanent and it will never cease. And that is Israel,” Rabbi Kennard asserts.
Kiper-Fox notes that Australia has one of the highest per capita rates of aliyah of any Diaspora community.
“Australians can be found in every fabric of society, living successfully in all different areas,” she says proudly.
A personal choice, a national impact
Ultimately, the decision to make aliyah is deeply personal, influenced by a complex interplay of ideological, practical and emotional factors.
For those who take the leap, the rewards can be profound.
“Living out a dream that Jews have had for generations. The effervescent and creative Jewish life and learning. The people. The food. Jewish holidays as national holidays. The richness of daily interpersonal interactions,” Joel lists as some of the benefits he’s experienced.
The Wenigs sum up their experience simply: “It’s worth it!”
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