Over 20,000 Immigrants Arrive in Israel During Jewish Year 5786

Approximately 20,000 new immigrants from over 100 countries arrived in Israel during the Jewish year 5786 (ending September 2026), according to data released by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, which saw around 25,000 immigrants. However, there was a notable increase in immigration applications opened in Western countries.

Russia led the countries of origin with 5,685 immigrants, followed by France with 4,364, and the United States with 3,333. Other significant numbers came from Ukraine (797), Belarus (440), Canada (440), and the United Kingdom (975).

The immigrant demographic shows that 35% are young adults aged 18-35, including professionals and those in needed occupations. Children and teenagers up to age 17 constitute 24% of the new arrivals. The oldest immigrants were 102 years old, one from Russia and one from France, while the youngest was a two-week-old infant from Mexico.

Tel Aviv absorbed the largest number of immigrants with 2,762, followed by Netanya (2,224) and Jerusalem (2,134). Approximately 20% of immigrants settled in areas north of Hadera, and 11% settled south of Ashdod, indicating efforts to encourage settlement in peripheral regions.

There was a significant rise in interest in immigrating from Western countries, with over 28,000 Jews worldwide opening immigration files. France saw a 31.5% increase in applications, the US 17.1%, and the UK a substantial 68% rise. Australia experienced an 89.7% surge in applications.

In response to these trends, a tax reform was launched to ease the integration of immigrants into the Israeli economy. Additionally, 414 doctors immigrated during the year, a crucial number given the emigration of physicians from Israel. Programs were also promoted to integrate immigrants into the workforce through professional training and job placement initiatives.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer stated that the choice to immigrate to Israel, especially during challenging times, is a strong Zionist and national statement. He highlighted the significant increase from Western countries, attributing it partly to global political developments and rising antisemitism, calling it a national opportunity. Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, emphasized that immigration is a profound expression of love for Israel and a powerful response to challenges, acting as a growth engine for the country.