Israeli tourism surges despite SA’s anti-Israel policies

The number of Israeli visitors to South Africa has more than doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with 2025 marking the highest level recorded in seven years, according to Statistics South Africa. 

In 2018, about 5 000 Israeli tourists visited the country. That figure dropped to just more than 200 in 2020 during COVID-19 lockdowns. It has since rebounded sharply, reaching more than 10 000 this year. Israel is now among the fastest-growing overseas tourism markets for South Africa. 

The recovery comes despite heightened political tensions between the South African and Israeli governments, including the former’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Yet industry sources and tour operators say the political divide hasn’t stopped ordinary South Africans and Israelis from engaging warmly on the ground. 

Johannesburg-based guide and photojournalist Ilan Ossendryver, who runs Tour Soweto, said he had witnessed a steady return of Israeli visitors to his township journeys over the past two years. 

“Before COVID-19, I had Israelis almost every day,” he said. “Then it stopped completely. When the ICJ case happened, there was another dip. But over the past two years, it’s been picking up again. Israelis are adventurous; they come out no matter what.” 

Ossendryver said Israelis were motivated by a mix of family connections and a desire for authentic experiences. “Many come for weddings or to visit relatives. Others come because they’ve heard South Africa is beautiful and welcoming. When they arrive, they see the difference between what they hear about the government’s position and how ordinary South Africans treat them.” 

He believes South Africa’s interpersonal relationships remain strong. “There’s a clear separation between government policy and public sentiment. The majority of people I meet are supportive of Israel. Visitors are always amazed by how much warmth there is, especially in communities like Soweto.” 

Ossendryver said he preferred to describe his offerings as journeys rather than tours. His trips combine cultural history, photography, and social engagement. “My camera is my activism,” he said. “It’s not just about sightseeing, it’s about connecting with people and giving back.” 

During the pandemic, Ossendryver and his partners, Howard Sackstein and The Angel Network, distributed 175 000 meals in Kliptown, Soweto. He continues to raise funds to build a classroom and kitchen for street children who cannot access formal schooling. 

“I work with local guides, kindergartens, and the elderly,” he said. “Visitors get involved. They see what we do, and they want to help. The Israeli guests I’ve hosted are incredibly generous. They go home and spread the word. That’s the best kind of marketing there is.’” 

He said his experiences show how travel can build bridges even during political friction. “When people meet each other face to face, it changes perceptions. You realise that what connects us is much greater than what divides us.” 

Ossendryver uses his journeys to explain South Africa’s past to foreign visitors. “Israeli tourists always ask about apartheid,” he said. “I tell them it was a legal system that separated people, but it didn’t stop personal friendships. It’s not comparable to Israel. In Israel, you don’t have ‘whites only’ signs or forced separation like we had here. When they see the history for themselves, they understand the difference.” 

He often draws parallels between South Africa’s past and Israel’s challenges. “When Israelis visit, they see how South Africa came through something incredibly difficult, and they leave with respect for what reconciliation can look like.” 

Ossendryver said Johannesburg remained his preferred canvas. “Cape Town is stunning, but Johannesburg is real,” he said. “It’s got grit, character, and layers. It’s the true melting pot of Africa, and that’s what Israelis love. They feel the energy and humanity here.” 

In Cape Town, visiting Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon, born and raised in the United States who later made aliya, served as the high holy day rabbi for Temple Israel this year. It was her first visit to South Africa, and she described the experience as profoundly moving. 

“I was impressed by how welcoming everyone was,” she said. “From the first day, I felt at home. The warmth of the community was magnificent. I can say I was ‘smitten by a mountain’.” 

She said she arrived conscious of the country’s political climate, but chose not to hide her identity. “My Uber profile still had my name written in Hebrew,” she said. “I thought about changing it, but decided not to. Jewish identity isn’t always easy in the diaspora, but the response here was wonderful.” 

Shiryon’s sermons during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur centred on hope and moral renewal. “The Israeli government doesn’t represent the founding values of Israel,” she said. “Those values are about honouring life. We must hold on to hope, and believe we can change that.” 

Her Yom Kippur sermon reflected her belief that transformation begins with compassion. “There’s no change without hope,” she said. “We need to make space for other voices, and create safe spaces to listen to each other.” 

She also drew inspiration from South Africa’s journey. “Israel needs a truth and reconciliation process,” she said. “We need to confront pain honestly, and find a way forward. There’s no space in my body to hold hate.” 

During her stay, she visited Langa township, and met a former Robben Island prisoner who spoke about forgiveness. “I asked him how he managed not to hate after what he went through,” she said. “He told me, ‘There’s no room in this body to hold hate.’ That answer has stayed with me. It’s something I’ll always remember.”  

Shiryon said that being away from Israel during wartime was emotionally difficult. “My husband and I have been supporting the families of hostages and demonstrating for nearly two years,” she said. “Being here was both painful and healing, a break from tension, and a chance to connect with another community.” 

She said her experience of leading the Progressive congregation offered insight into Jewish identity outside Israel. “In Israel, we breathe Judaism daily, here, people actively seek it. They’re building community, and that’s moving.” 

Both Ossendryver and Shiryon said their experiences reflect enduring bonds between South Africans and Israelis. The rabbi described the community’s hospitality as “life-affirming”. Ossendryver said the encounters on his journeys continue to prove that human connection outweigh political division. 

“We lose tourism because of government policy,” Ossendryver said. “But when Israelis come, they see that the people are friendly, respectful, and open. That’s the South Africa I know.” 

Despite tensions at the diplomatic level, tourism data and personal accounts suggest that Israeli visitors are returning in growing numbers, finding in South Africa not just adventure and beauty, but warmth, understanding, and hope.