Six years ago, Elizabeth Schwartz Cohen, 34, an American IT engineer, moved to Tel Aviv. She believed she had found a "promised land" in the technology industry, offering many opportunities and good income.

However, everything changed after the conflict erupted. Cohen vividly recalls 7/10/2023, when she was glued to her phone in her apartment, holding her breath for alarms to signal a rush to the shelter. On that day, Hamas forces launched a barrage of rockets into Israel. "I don't want to raise children surrounded by sirens," Cohen stated.

Tel Aviv, Israel's second-largest city, attracts many tech talents. Photo: BI

The number of people leaving Israel, like Cohen, is growing. The technology sector—a driving force that once earned Israel its "startup nation" reputation—is witnessing an unprecedented exodus. Data indicates that during the first two years of the conflict (2023-2024), approximately 8,300 high-tech professionals departed Israel.

By 2025, this migration accelerated, with the total number of people leaving Israel reaching approximately 69,000. The latest data from early 2026 shows no signs of this trend cooling down, with an additional 37,000 people emigrating in just a few months.

International media refers to this as a "wave of elite departures", with IT engineers constituting a significant portion due to the ease of cross-border work.

Beyond the impact of military conflict, financial pressures and the social environment are proving to be the 'last straw'. The Mercer ranking notes Tel Aviv as the 16th most expensive city globally for international professionals. A survey from late 2025 revealed that over half of domestic tech companies reported an increased demand from employees, including managers, to relocate abroad.

Erez Schneider, 39, a manager at an AI company, is a prime example. Despite 17 years dedicated to Israel's tech sector and enjoying a respected social position, he decided to move his family to Switzerland in 9/2024.

Schneider stated that the strained political atmosphere was the primary reason for his departure. According to him, the number of Israeli tech workers relocating to Switzerland is quickly growing; their online community groups regularly welcome new members weekly.

Although experts like economics professor Itai Ater from Tel Aviv University and researcher Alex Weinreb remain optimistic that this wave cannot immediately collapse the 10 million-strong economy, they acknowledge it poses significant long-term risks for a nation reliant on intellectual capital.

For those directly involved, like Cohen, the picture has changed significantly. The number of international colleagues around her has dwindled, with fewer and fewer wanting to stay long-term.

"The decision to leave is rarely due to just one reason. Political instability, high costs, and war combine with personal aspirations. I am expecting a child, and I choose to return home to begin my journey into motherhood in peace," Cohen explained.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Business Insider)