What South Africans want to know about aliya

For some people attending this year’s Aliyah Expo, the biggest question was how to transfer a pension. For others, it was whether their professional qualifications would be recognised in Israel. Some wanted to know about jobs in the technology sector. Others were looking for reassurance that they could successfully start over in a new country. 

These conversations took centre stage at Aliyah Expo South Africa 2026, which brought about 30 Israeli experts to Johannesburg on Sunday 21 June and Cape Town on Monday 22 June. While the annual expo has become a familiar fixture on the communal calendar, attendees said this year’s event helped turn a broad idea into a practical plan. 

Avi Kagan, director of the Israel Centre, which represents the Jewish Agency for Israel in South Africa, said one of the expo’s strengths was exposing people to a spectrum of practical aspects of aliya. “Things like where you’re going to stay, what job you’re going to do, financial help, shipping, all the stuff that you don’t think about,” he said. 

According to Kagan, some exhibitors felt that Cape Town attendees were particularly serious about their aliya plans. “While Johannesburg had a bigger turnout, those who came in Cape Town really enquired about themselves and not just as an idea.” 

For Sarah*, a 32-year-old occupational therapist from Cape Town, the expo provided answers that months of online research could not. Having visited Israel twice and begun seriously considering aliya after 7 October and rising antisemitism internationally, she wanted to know more about transferring her professional qualifications and the employment opportunities in the healthcare sector. “I’d spent months reading Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats, but speaking to people face to face answered questions I didn’t even know I had.” 

She found it particularly valuable hearing directly from South Africans who have already made aliya. “What struck me most was hearing South Africans talk honestly about both the opportunities and the challenges. The reality is that life in Israel is expensive and moving countries is hard, but it seems there is a lot of effort being made to welcome and integrate olim, which attracts me to aliya.” 

Sarah said she gained a clearer understanding of what it would take if she and her husband eventually move. “I left feeling less overwhelmed. I still haven’t decided whether we’ll move, but now I know what steps would actually be involved.” 

For David*, a 74-year-old retired accountant from Johannesburg, the questions were different. A widower whose two adult children already live in Israel, he has been considering aliya for several years. He attended the expo seeking information about retirement planning, healthcare, and pension transfers. “My children have been encouraging me to move for years, but I needed practical answers before making such a major life change,” he said. 

Healthcare is a particular concern. “At my age, healthcare becomes one of the biggest considerations. I was pleased to find people who could explain the system clearly,” he said. 

The event also challenged some of his expectations. “I expected a lot of idealism. What I found was very practical advice.” 

For younger attendees, career opportunities were often front of mind. Rachel*, a 26-year-old software developer from Johannesburg, went to explore employment prospects and networking opportunities in Israel’s technology sector. “I expected to gather information. I didn’t expect to make so many connections in one day,” she said. 

Rachel was particularly interested in Israel’s start-up ecosystem but came away with broader information. “The tech opportunities were definitely a draw, but I was equally interested in hearing about everyday life.” 

She said she has been thinking about aliya for years but political issues have held her back until now. “Hearing that elections will soon take place in Israel is a major drawcard for me. I am hoping that Israelis will vote wisely, and a change of government will definitely inspire me to submit my aliya application,” she said. 

This sentiment was echoed by several delegates who shared with the SA Jewish Report that they are excited for the opportunity that Israel’s coming elections presents. They believe aliya figures will increase substantially once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is no longer at the helm. “I think the government is putting people off, but I am optimistic for the future,” one delegate said. 

Joshua Schewitz, from the South African Zionist Federation Cape Council, said the event demonstrated the strength of local engagement with Israel. “The Aliyah Expo 2026 was a powerful expression of just how deeply Zionist the Cape Town community is,” he said. 

The strong turnout and the large delegation from Israel showed that South Africa remains an important aliya community, Schewitz said. “It is a clear sign that our community is seen and noticed, that despite our small size, our impact on Israel is felt and heard.” 

The variety of questions raised at the two events suggested that South Africans are increasingly approaching aliya as a practical life choice rather than simply an aspiration. Whether attendees were considering retirement, professional opportunities, family reunification, or a new start, many were seeking answers to specific questions about their future. 

For some, the answers may have confirmed existing plans. For others, they may have planted the seed for a future move. Either way, the conversations in Johannesburg and Cape Town suggest that interest in aliya remains strong, even as the questions South Africans are asking continue to evolve. 

*Interviewees requested anonymity for privacy reasons.