Over 20,000 Immigrants Arrive in Israel in Jewish Year 5786, Russia Leads

Israel welcomed over 20,000 new immigrants from approximately 100 countries during the Jewish year 5786 (September 23, 2025, to September 3, 2026). Russia was the leading country of origin, followed by France and the United States, according to data released by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency (Sohnut). A total of 5,685 individuals immigrated from Russia, 4,364 from France, and 3,333 from the U.S. Other significant numbers came from Ukraine (797), Belarus (491), Canada (440), Australia (247), Argentina (243), and Georgia (241).

More than a third of the new immigrants, 35%, were young adults aged 18 to 35, including doctors and other skilled professionals. Children and teenagers under 17 comprised 24% of the total. The oldest immigrants were 102 years old, one from Russia and one from France, while the youngest was a two-week-old baby from Mexico.

Tel Aviv received the largest number of new immigrants with 2,762, followed by Netanya with 2,224, and Jerusalem with 2,134. Other cities like Haifa, Ra'anana, and Ashdod also saw substantial numbers of new residents. Approximately 31% of immigrants chose to settle in areas north of Hadera or south of Ashdod, with about 20% settling in northern regions and 11% in southern regions.

In parallel, over 28,000 Jews worldwide initiated their immigration process to Israel through the Jewish Agency's Aliyah World Center. France saw a 31.5% increase in initiated immigration cases, the U.S. a 17.1% rise, and the UK an impressive 68% surge. Australia experienced the most significant growth at 89.7%.

To facilitate integration, the government implemented professional courses, employment programs, and facilitated connections with leading companies. A tax reform was also launched to aid immigrants' economic integration. The Jewish Agency promoted settlement in the north and south through initiatives like "aliyah nuclei," where groups of young families immigrate and integrate together. Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer attributed the rise in immigration from Western countries to global political changes and rising antisemitism, urging Israel to leverage this opportunity. Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog described the immigration as a testament to faith in Israel's future and a core aspect of Zionism.