LONDON — For Shira Z. Carmel, the process of leaving Israel feels more manageable when framed as a temporary measure. Yet, she understands the underlying reality all too well.

As an Israeli-born singer, the traumatic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating attack, obliterated any remaining sense of security among her and many well-off Israelis. The attack led to the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the kidnapping of 250 others, an occurrence that caught the Israeli military completely off guard and left a nation renowned for its defense capabilities in shock. This harrowing day has since been referred to as Israel’s 9/11, as the military response took several hours to materialize.

A mere ten days later, while pregnant, Carmel, along with her husband and their young child, boarded a flight to Australia. Her husband’s field was in demand there, which prompted their move. They delicately explained their departure to friends and family as a “relocation,” intending to lessen any emotional burdens and shame that accompany long-term departures from Israel.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but having the conversation with our loved ones was even harder,” Carmel reflected from her new residence in Melbourne. “We felt the need to distance ourselves from the immediate dangers.”

Since the Hamas assault, a notable number of Israelis have chosen to leave the country for good, according to government data and immigration records from countries like Canada and Germany. There are fears regarding a potential “brain drain” impacting vital sectors such as healthcare and technology. Sergio DellaPergola, a statistician and professor emeritus at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, suggests that emigration from Israel may outnumber immigration in 2024.

“This year, I predict that more people will leave than come in,” he stated. “This trend is quite unprecedented in Israel’s history.”

Early indications show a significant uptick in departures following the October attacks, compelling influential figures in Israel to publicly address the situation and express concerns about rising antisemitism abroad.

“I am particularly alarmed by discussions about leaving Israel,” former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett remarked in a recent tweet. He emphasized the importance of retaining talent within the nation, pointing out the dangers of reverting to historical patterns of Jewish dislocation without safe haven.

Substantial numbers are indeed leaving the nation, weighing the emotional, financial, and social costs that accompany such a choice. Official statistics reveal that while Israel’s population continues to grow, the trend of emigration raises alarms.

According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 40,600 Israelis left the country for extended durations in the first seven months of 2024, marking a 59% increase from the same timeframe the previous year. Monthly data indicates an average of 2,200 more individuals leaving each month compared to 2023.

Contrastingly, the Israeli Ministry of Immigration and Absorption reported that over 33,000 individuals migrated to Israel since the onset of the war, a figure in line with prior years.

The figures are striking in countries welcoming Israeli migrants as well. In 2024, over 18,000 Israelis sought German citizenship, which is double that of the previous year and threefold the tally from two years prior. Additionally, Canada has approved 5,759 work permit applications from Israelis in the first ten months of 2024, compared to just 1,616 in 2023, indicating a growing trend.

The implications of the October declaration have also rippled through professional sectors back in Israel. Gil Fire, deputy director at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, reported hesitancy among some specialized doctors, who previously planned to return after their fellowships but are now considering extending their stay abroad.

“Before the conflict, returning was a given for them; now we see a shift in attitudes,” Fire noted. “Some are expressing a desire to stay indefinitely.”

Meanwhile, Michal Harel, who relocated to Toronto in 2019, observed an influx of inquiries from fellow Israelis interested in relocating to Canada. In response, she and her husband launched a website offering guidance for those contemplating the move, noting that costs can reach 100,000 Israeli shekels, or approximately $28,000.

However, the option to relocate is not available to all. Many Israelis managing these transitions often possess dual citizenship or flexible work arrangements that facilitate their emigration. In stark contrast, the situation for Palestinians in Gaza has worsened, with mass displacements resulting from ongoing Israeli strikes since October 7. As health officials report over 45,000 fatalities from attacks in Gaza, the possibility of evacuating is virtually nonexistent for its 2.3 million residents.

Harel noted that her website has attracted around 100,000 unique visitors and 5,000 direct inquiries, aimed at families eager to embrace a life free from constant fear and trauma.

“People are reaching out because they want to rediscover normalcy and joy in their daily lives,” she explained. “The current atmosphere in Israel is one of ongoing trauma.” Many potential emigrants are also reluctant to disclose their plans.

The term “Aliya,” symbolizing the immigration of Jews to Israel, is viewed favorably, while “yerida,” signifying emigration, carries notable stigma. Historically, the Israeli government imposed strong deterrents on emigration, perceiving it as a threat to national cohesion. A social contract mandated military service and high taxes from citizens in exchange for defense, creating an expectation for Jews to remain and contribute to the country’s survival.

Yet today, as Israeli society evolves, the stigma attached to emigration manifests more as a social pressure. Shira Carmel stands firm in her conviction. Having previously protested against governmental reforms, she found herself terrified during the Hamas attacks, unsure about raising her young child amidst an ongoing threat.

Echoing the call to move, Carmel weighed her options during the frantic hours before departing Israel. Collaborating with family and government channels, her family made arrangements to leave, guided by Carmel’s brother’s support.

Reflecting on their journey, she emphasized, “We’re not framing our departure as permanent. However, it’s clear we intend to stay put for the foreseeable future.”

As they settle into their new life in Australia, Carmel and her family face the realities of their decision head-on, recognizing both the emotional weight of their departure and the uncertain future that lies ahead.