By: Marelinke van der Riet

Israel remains braced for potential Iranian retaliatory attacks following last week’s targeting of two senior Hamas and Hizbullah leaders – a threat that could rapidly transform the current conflict into a full-scale war. Yet despite this precarious situation, Jewish families from around the world are still moving to Israel, many with assistance from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

Just this week, 13 Jewish immigrants – two from Cape Town and eleven from Johannesburg – arrived in Israel on Aliyah flights sponsored by ICEJ-South Africa. They came under particularly dramatic circumstances, as they arrived in Israel amid numerous flight cancellations throughout the region due to the serious warnings of an imminent Iranian attack.

This summer’s extraordinary surge in Jewish immigration to Israel speaks volumes about the nation’s perceived security and the strong ties that bind Jewish people worldwide to their ancestral homeland. Despite the imminent threat of a wider war, many Jews are still choosing to make Israel their home, viewing it as a safer haven compared to countries where antisemitism is on the rise.

The increased interest in Aliyah is particularly evident in South Africa, a country facing its own unique set of challenges, including growing antisemitism, economic instability and frequent power shortages. These factors are contributing to a rise in the number of South African Jews choosing to immigrate to Israel. According to Israel’s Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the number of South African Jewish olim (newcomers) landing here in the first half of 2024 has reached over 150. The ICEJ’s South Africa branch has raised the funds to sponsor 40 seats for Jewish families on flights from South Africa this year, and with your help, we can sponsor even more.

Osher Amanda Favel, a recent new immigrant from South Africa, shared her personal experience with Telfed Aliyah News.

“Although I was a bit hesitant to come to Israel before the war happened (different cultures, a whole new way of life, etc.), the war took that anxiety away and made me want to come to Israel more than ever. Everyone overseas suddenly seemed to be against Israel and spread lies about my beloved country. For this reason, I felt that now more than ever, I need to be in my country, with my people.”

“I can truthfully say that even though there’s a war going on, I still feel safer here,” Favel added while settling into her new home. “I am so happy to be surrounded by other Jews and like-minded people as we all stand together and defend our beloved Israel against the world. War or no war, I’m here to stay!”

Favel’s sentiments reflect a broader trend among Diaspora Jews considering Aliyah. Indeed, the wider picture reveals that over 16,000 Jewish immigrants have arrived in Israel in the first half of this year, while more than 24,000 have come if we go back to the war’s start last October 7.

The ICEJ has played a pivotal role in facilitating this influx of new immigrants, sponsoring 601 Aliyah flights and assisting over 1,700 new immigrants in this year alone. This includes 200 flights from France, with hopes to support another 100 flights this fall. Besides French Aliyah, other upcoming flights include a youth Aliyah flight from Ukraine towards in late August.

The resilience of the Jewish people and their commitment to Israel amid these challenging times underscores a powerful narrative of solidarity and hope rooted in the promises of the Hebrew Scriptures. As the situation continues to evolve, the ICEJ’s support remains crucial in ensuring that Jewish communities around the world can find their way home.

Donate today at: give.icej.org/aliyah

Photos: Dorron Kline/Telfed