The Israeli public, invited by the Academy of the Hebrew Language to vote for the Hebrew “word of the year” (for the Jewish year 5786 [2025-2026]), chose the word habayta (“homeward”).
For many, the word represents the return of the hostages to Israel, as well as the return of communities to their homes in the North and South of the country.
In addition, the term “homeward bound” rings loud and clear for those who decide to leave the country they hitherto called home to make a new life in Israel. Such is the case of 30 couples who exchanged the comfort of their South African abodes for a fresh start in the one Jewish state.
At its peak, in the 1970s, the South African Jewish community numbered around 170,000. Today, the community consists of some 50,000 Jews; 58% are situated in Johannesburg, and 24% live in Cape Town.
For South African olim, the challenge of aliyah is especially onerous. South African homes are spacious, with domestic help available to all. This, coupled with the rand being weak and the shekel being strong, does not make it easy for South African Jews to consider making aliyah.
Recently, the Jewish Agency introduced an aliyah project aimed specifically at South African couples aged 60 and upward who have children or family already in Israel. Applicants are limited to those who cannot afford to purchase a home of their own in Israel; and they have to be healthy and not in need of any age-related support.
A 40-couple project
The project, limited to 40 couples, offers payment of travel to Israel and the opportunity to live in the center of Netanya. The delegated building – home to these newcomers – currently houses Russian and Ukrainian immigrants, with 40 apartments designated for the South Africans.
The accommodation is far removed from what these olim had in South Africa. The apartments, measuring 50 square meters, are a far cry from their former spacious homes. The subsidized rental charge is NIS 350 per month.
To date, 30 couples have availed themselves of this unique opportunity, with another 10 couples expected to arrive by March.
For singles, there is a similar plan in Beersheba.
Nina Zuck, project chairwoman of ESRA Netanya (herself an olah from South Africa 53 years ago), connected the Magazine to Zilla Woznica, a participant in the above-mentioned project.
Woznica, 66, arrived in Netanya with her husband, Julio, 72, in August. Woznica has a son in Ra’anana. The couple landed with only a few suitcases – no lifts for these olim. They purchased the essentials – beds and kitchen cupboards – at IKEA.
Aside from the complete change of living accommodations, these latest immigrants do not have a car or the finances to purchase one in the near future. In other words, their daily living comforts – compared to what they enjoyed in South Africa – have experienced a downturn.
The majority of the group of new olim were working in South Africa and are hopeful that they will find employment here. Prior to their departure, Woznica worked as a radiographer and medical receptionist. Her husband, a retired tour guide, worked as a mashgiach (“supervisor”) and in customer relations within two restaurants. Both would like to continue to work but recognize that their lack of Hebrew is an obstacle; they are attending ulpan (Hebrew course) and hope this will yield results.
What made these Jews decide to give up the comfort of life in South Africa in order to live in Israel? Was it because South African Jewry suffers from today’s ever-increasing antisemitism that is pervading the world? Is it challenging for Jews to live a Jewish life in South Africa?
The answer to both these questions is a definitive no. The community, to date, does not suffer antisemitism, in spite of a government whose policy is decidedly anti-Israel. Jewish life continues, with excellent Jewish day schools where the vast majority of Jewish children receive their education.
What, then, was the catalyst for participants in this project to come to Israel now? Primarily it was to be with their children, enjoy their grandchildren, and participate in family smachot. Meeting extended family members, whom they had never met before, has proven to be an extra bonus.
Coming as a group has enabled the couples to assist one another with the daily challenges and needs that inevitably arise as newcomers. Yet in the few months that Woznica and her compatriots have lived here, they have discovered many additional benefits that outweigh the changes in their daily way of life.
Woznica says, “There is so much more to gain from living here than lifestyle. I can walk on the beach at any time without fear of being followed. I can carry my purse openly and don’t need to keep looking behind me in case someone is following me, waiting to grab my purse and possibly physically attack me.”
Netanya newcomers speak on aliyah
The overall feeling of being at home is reflected in the comments below, from these Netanya newcomers addressed to Ziv Taitz, the agency’s aliyah head in South Africa.
“We are happy and excited recipients and can only hope that anyone who has a distant dream of making aliyah grab hold of this opportunity and just do it!”
“Our dream of coming to Israel had all but fizzled out until this incredible opportunity came about. Thanks to all who made this a reality. We are blessed to be part of this program.”
“Life is about timing and decisions. Digging up your 60+ roots and planting them in new ground is challenging, but having the right mindset and attitude goes a long way toward ensuring that they grow and flourish. Le’chaim.”
“Thank you for letting us live our dream in Israel – it is a dream come true. We are truly blessed to be part of this amazing project. Words are not enough to express our gratitude. Thank you to the State of Israel for the Zionist embrace. Thank you to all who came before us to build this holy land and to those who have consistently defended it, and may the memory of those who have fallen in the defense of the one Jewish state be a blessing.”
The above moving comments are a timely reminder of how fortunate each one of us is to be living in the one and only Jewish state.
Am Yisrael chai.■
The writer is president of the Israel, Britain and the Commonwealth Association and has chaired public affairs organizations in Israel and the UK.