Rav Chaim Tzvi Senter shlit”a is Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Aderes Hatorah in Yerushalayim.
Q: People claim that all Yidden should move to Eretz Yisroel because, with all the antisemitism in the world, chutz la’aretz is becoming increasingly dangerous and Eretz Yisroel is the safest place in the world. Obviously, Eretz Yisroel has the special segulah of enjoying the hashgacha pratis of the Ribono shel Olam. Putting that aside for a moment, how is Eretz Yisroel safe if we consider the fact that we’ve been at war for the past two plus years, as well as the endless terror attacks that we suffer from, r’’l?
A: This is really a question for the Gedolei Yisroel, as Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Shlit”a said recently that European Yidden should be moving to Eretz Yisroel because it is too dangerous to remain there. If the question is referring to the long term, the Torah already tells us, “ציון תהיה לפליטה” – Eretz Yisroel will be the refuge for Klal Yisroel, indicating that it is safer than the country of egress. To say that Eretz Yisroel is safer right now, in 2026, it’s hard to answer that.
If it’s a halachic issue of whether it’s a Sakana or not, then the Gedolim would get up and issue a psak to move, because then it would be assur to live in that country. I don’t think America is at that stage yet. I think the question is one of “do I feel comfortable here, with all the antisemitism going on?”.
Q: Does one need the excuse of Sakana to convince him to move to Eretz Yisroel?
A: Of course not! You don’t need a reason to move to Eretz Yisroel! Again, if it’s a Sakana, then it’s a real Sheila. By the way, this would apply in the other direction as well. During one of the wars, I asked Rav Sheinberg ztz”l if I should leave Eretz Yisroel. He answered, “if it were a real Sakana I would also leave Eretz Yisroel”.
At the end of the day, it’s an issue of whether or not I feel nervous being in America. A person may not want to wait until it gets too dangerous, chalila. Conversely, when it comes to leaving Eretz Yisroel in wartime, the sentiment is the exact opposite. People say, “you don’t run away from home”. Additionally, the morale in Eretz Yisroel was very high during this war, and there was a feeling of, “we’re all in this together.” Generally speaking, the quality of life is much higher here in Eretz Yisroel, despite the war and attacks.
Q: What is a reason for coming to Eretz Yisroel? Many people in chutz la’aretz that I talk to claim, “why should I move to Eretz Yisroel?”
A: I’m sorry, but that’s not a valid question. The question must be “why shouldn’t I come?” We need to start changing the narrative from “why should I come?” to “what am I doing in America?”
Q: Practically, what should a family moving to Eretz Yisroel look for when choosing a school?
A: Look for a school that will respect your child. I shouldn’t have to beg to get in, rather the school should be happy to accept my child and want to help be mechanech.
