Don’t leave in fight or flight mode

I’ll just come out and say it. There should be a pause on all aliyah applications for six months. Like a cooling off period. Because whereas going to live in Israel might be the appropriate and right decision for all the right reasons for many, the decision isn’t a small one. It has major implications. It isn’t without its challenges. And it shouldn’t be made when we are in fight or flight mode.

Even those of us who aren’t psychologists but can read, know this. At times of perceived danger, our primal instincts kick in. When faced with what we think is a threat, our adrenalin surges, and we are unable to think rationally. Our need for survival takes over, and we quickly assess if we should stay to fight, or if we should run for the hills as fast as our Jewish flat feet can carry us (which is probably not that fast).

The fight or flight instinct has kept us alive – or at least running – for generations. It has largely worked, and is the most likely reason that most Jewish South Africans are alive to tell the tale, our grandparents or great grandparents having chosen flight rather than fight.

There is a “but”, however. Not every situation is life-and-death danger. Not every event is pre-war Europe, and not every Facebook post from a concerned expat is without its own perspective. The challenge is to recognise what’s long-term vision versus short-term, knee-jerk reaction.

When faced with real danger, the implementation of a “flight” strategy correctly places survival over every other factor. Other factors like financial concerns, education, social, and family are moved to the “less important” column.

This is perfectly sensible, given that a dead person doesn’t need to earn a living or worry about who to invite for Friday night. What this means is that making a fight or flight decision when one is not in mortal danger can result in a pretty poor decision.

It’s not just a South African phenomenon. The pandemic-related lockdown has made many of us jittery and anxious. Our need to travel, engage, and feel less “trapped” will undoubtedly result in a significant global migration, as people seek something new or different. We aren’t alone in that. Where South Africa is different is that the recent unrest has been particularly unnerving. Coupled with lack of faith in the government, and there’s little surprise that people are nervous.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean “flight”.

As someone who has lived in several countries around the world, I’m by no means suggesting that people don’t make aliyah or move to Australia. What I’m saying is that the decision should be made rationally. Look not only at what awaits, but also what you are giving up on. Look at the magnificence of the South African Jewish community, look at what you are able to do to make the country a better place and how that feeds you. Look at the education and the medical systems that we have in place, and look at fellow South Africans from all the beautiful communities that make up this insane country. Write down what you love about South Africa, and then write down the reasons you want to leave.

The suggestion of a pause of aliyah applications is, of course, not literal. If anyone wants to go and live in Israel, they should be encouraged to do so. But there is a major difference between running away from something and running towards it.