Jewish Aliyah to Israel Surges Post-October 7 Amid Antisemitism

Following the October 7th Hamas attacks and a global rise in antisemitism, more Jews worldwide are considering aliyah, or immigration to Israel, according to Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency (Sohnut). Speaking at the Global Aliyah Live Summit hosted by YnetGlobal and Vesti, Almog noted significant shifts in sentiment among Jewish communities in Australia, the UK, France, South Africa, and the United States. He described a prevailing mood of "Enough. Let's make aliyah. Let's build a new life," among potential immigrants.

This trend has led to a sharp increase in individuals initiating aliyah procedures and seeking consultations with the Jewish Agency. The agency's Jerusalem center is operating around the clock, offering assistance in five languages, with prospective immigrants inquiring about employment, cost of living, housing, and integration into Israeli society. Almog emphasized that aliyah is not solely a response to antisemitism but also stems from a strengthened sense of Jewish identity and connection to Israel.

Almog highlighted the impact of Israeli society's unity in the face of adversity, which has resonated with diaspora Jews seeking a sense of belonging. He proposed group and community aliyah as a promising model, enabling immigrants to pre-arrange living and working situations and maintain social connections. "Don't come alone. Come together, as a group. Come with your community," he urged.

While acknowledging concerns about finances, employment, language barriers, and societal integration, Almog recalled that Israel's growth has historically been fueled by waves of aliyah, citing the nearly one million immigrants from the former Soviet Union since the 1990s whose contributions are evident across various sectors. "Aliyah is an engine of growth," he stated, suggesting that supporting new immigrants should be integral to the post-war recovery of Israel's north and south.

The Jewish Agency plans to offer immigrants opportunities to settle in peripheral areas and participate in rebuilding efforts in affected regions. Almog also reported an increase in short-term stays, volunteer programs, and solidarity delegations, alongside expanding partnerships between diaspora Jewish communities and Israeli towns, signaling a "new chapter" in relations between Israel and global Jewish communities.