Young South Africans seek adventure in Israel

Just three weeks into her Midrasha program at Migdal Oz, 18-year-old Ella Mandelberg is already embracing her new adventure in Israel. The religious study programme, geared towards young women from Israel and abroad, was a perfect fit for her.

“I’ve settled in quickly,” she says with a smile, “thanks to the warm welcome I’ve received and everyone’s patience with my very broken Hebrew.”

A recent matriculant from Yeshiva College, Mandelberg says it was always her plan to go to Israel after finishing school. For as long as she can remember, her dream was to make aliya. Mandelberg is the eldest of five siblings, and is set on leading the way for the rest of her family to follow.

War certainly hasn’t deterred matriculants from embarking on gap-year programmes in Israel. In fact, the opposite is true. For most of them, a gap-year in Israel is their first choice.

According to Mandelberg, she is one of many of her peers from South Africa who have chosen to join gap-year programmes in Israel this year, with more expected to arrive in coming months. “I know so many who have chosen to come to Israel. Some are already here, while others are expected to arrive in February,” she says.

Noa Nerwich, 18, who recently matriculated from King David Linksfield, will soon join the Limmud programme, which aims to deepen her understanding of Jewish traditions and strengthen the Jewish identity of matriculants from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

“I feel incredibly privileged to embrace all the new experiences that await me there, but more importantly, my vision is to bring back what I learn to our community here, so we continue to thrive,” said Nerwich. “After all, Israel is our homeland, a place where we’re always welcome.”

For her parents, supporting her decision to join Limmud was easy. “It was always going to be Israel for Noa,” says her mother, Dani Nerwich, who, like her daughter, was a leader in the Bnei Akiva movement. Now human resources director at the South African Jewish Board of Education, Dani says, “Taking a gap year backpacking through Europe or working in London was never an option for her. We’re excited because we believe it’s going to be an incredibly enriching experience. Limmud provides exposure to both the practical and spiritual sides of Israeli life, and we have full confidence that she’ll be safe. We know she’s in good hands.”

Nerwich’s desire to give back to her community resonates with the larger picture of the MASA gap-year programmes’ impact. MASA, established by the Jewish Agency and Israeli government, gives young Jewish adults from the diaspora transformative experiences in Israel in programmes ranging from four weeks to 10 months.

Despite the difficult circumstances in Israel, many youngsters have continued to arrive to volunteer, support Israeli society, and deepen their connection to their Jewish identity.

The Israel Centre has experienced a notable increase in registrations from South Africans for its MASA gap-year programmes since the outbreak of war, with 325 young people participating in its programmes this year compared to 220 in the same period last year. Many of them have signed up for the MASA-Volunteering Programme, created to address the needs of young people who want to help Israel during its time of crisis.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” says MASA Chief Executive Meir Holtz. “The understanding of Israel’s importance and the desire to deepen their connection to their Jewish identity have become even more pronounced. The willingness to support Israel up close, combined with the fact that MASA always prioritises safety and security, motivates many to continue coming. We applaud them for this, and will continue to provide the highest-quality educational content, preparing the future leadership of Jewish communities globally.”

Dafi Forer Kremer, the director of the Israel Centre South Africa and head of the aliya department, notes a 5% increase in the number of South African olim since 7 October.

“The South African Jewish community is one of the most Zionist communities in the world,” she says. “Since 7 October, the solidarity and support shown in volunteer programmes, as well as the hosting of released hostages and bereaved families, is a testament to the kindness and strength of this cohesive community. It’s rare, and we want to bring these unique qualities to Israel. Our goal is to continue to increase awareness of the different programmes on offer.”

For Mandelberg, the decision to start her life in Israel at such a young age is filled with challenges and opportunities for personal growth. “Discomfort is a sign of growth,” she reflects. “The thought of remaining comfortable and stuck keeps me focused on my goal to make aliya, which requires me to learn the language and integrate into society.”

Mandelberg’s decision to be in Israel during such a difficult time brings her comfort, especially through her involvement in the Midrasha programme’s volunteer work. “Every Thursday, we go to our neighbours in Efrat to help support women whose husbands have died serving or are away serving, helping them with their children or preparing for Shabbat,” she says. “Israel and her people still embody so much simcha, which is inspiring. Israelis are convinced that we aren’t victims but survivors.

“I want my future to be here in the Jewish state, surrounded by Jewish people, in a place where you’re not scared to walk on the street at night. That’s important,” she says.

Mandelberg says her programme is perfect after a stressful matric year. “It’s been a wonderful outlet to redirect my energy into a place that offers so much meaning, fulfilment, and belonging.”

As more young South Africans embark on their journeys to Israel, their experience extends beyond personal growth. For many, like Mandelberg and Nerwich, gap-year experiences aren’t just about self-discovery, but about embracing their role as young leaders in shaping the future of a global Jewish community.