In today’s toxic political climate, in an America which is being increasingly dominated by the far left, I often hear people saying it is time to move to Israel. I don’t hear them use the word aliyah that often, only move to Israel. I find this very upsetting as it implies that Israel is a convenient destination to make a political statement.

The problem is that the political climate in Israel today is almost as divisive as in America, as discussed in the Jewish Link (“A Clear Guide to Israel’s Messy Coalitions,” April 8, 2021) and also noted separately by Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, who was quoted as saying “As far as safeguarding Jewish tradition is concerned, it is better to go with the representatives of the Arab public, than the representatives from the far left.”

Thus, “moving” to Israel in this atmosphere can be counterproductive and only lead to more frustration and disappointment. So, while making aliyah may be one of the highest ideals a Jew should aspire to and should be greatly encouraged, it should be made out of religious or spiritual convictions, not as an exercise in political protest.