Yael Yechieli with her partner, Tomer Persico. "When the World Happiness Index came out a few months ago and people were surprised that Israel ranked so high, I wasn't. Belonging creates happiness." Credit: Noam Revkin-FentonWar, political chaos and a soaring cost of living aren't stopping some Israelis from returning. For many, the pull of family, language and belonging outweighs the push to leave. Since early 2023, 13,000 Israelis have come back. These are five of their storiesMay 10, 2026"Who's coming back this summer, and where are you heading?" asked a post in the Facebook group "Returning to Israel (Women's Community)," which has 7,000 members. The post appeared just days after the cease-fire with Iran was announced, as drones were being launched toward the north, the Strait of Hormuz was closing, Washington was again threatening Tehran and residents of metropolitan Tel Aviv were wondering when they'd be able to leave their shelters and safe rooms.In the NewsIsrael to Sue NYT Over Column Alleging Sexual Violence Against PalestiniansThree Wounded, One Critically, in Hezbollah Drone Attack on Northern IsraelDespite War and Unrest, How Is Israel's Economy Still Thriving?Facing Hezbollah Drones, Israeli Soldiers Say They Have Little to Do but DuckIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter AttackedRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIWhatsApp Co-founder Donates Record-breaking $200 Million to Jerusalem HospitalThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueLeaked Video of Arab Lawyer's Violent Arrest Contradicts Israel Police Account'A Slave Economy': Inside Israel's ultra-Orthodox Parallel StateIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaIsraeli Artists Slam Venice Biennale Participation: 'Again, Israel as a Victim'