France Second Largest Source of Immigrants to Israel, Driven by Western Trend

Over 20,000 new immigrants from approximately 100 countries settled in Israel during the Hebrew year 5786 (ending September 2026), according to figures released by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency. Russia remains the leading country of origin with 5,685 immigrants, followed by France with 4,364 arrivals. The United States is third with 3,333, followed by the United Kingdom (975) and Ukraine (797).

Interest in making Aliyah, or Jewish immigration to Israel, is significantly increasing in Western countries. In France, the number of Aliyah files opened rose by 31.5% to 7,033 this year compared to the previous year. Similar surges were observed in the UK (68% increase), the US (17.1%), and Australia (nearly 90%). This trend is occurring amidst the ongoing war in Israel, international political instability, and rising antisemitism.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer expressed optimism that immigration from Western nations will continue to grow, calling it a "national opportunity that the State of Israel cannot afford to miss." He highlighted that over a third of new immigrants are between 18 and 35 years old, with youth comprising 35% of arrivals and children and adolescents making up 24%. The influx also includes 414 doctors who have joined Israel's healthcare system.

Tel Aviv was the most popular destination, attracting 2,762 new immigrants, followed by Netanya, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Ra'anana. Nearly one-third of new arrivals settled in areas north of Hadera or south of Ashdod.

Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog praised the immigration as a "deep expression of unconditional love" and "confidence in the future of the State of Israel," despite a challenging security year.