Immigration Report: Over 20,000 Arrive in Israel Amid Rising Global Interest
Israel has welcomed over 20,000 new immigrants, known as olim, from more than 100 countries in the past year, according to a joint report by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency "Sohnut." The figures were released ahead of Rosh Hashanah and highlight a significant influx despite ongoing national security tensions.
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 the UK (975), Ukraine (797), Belarus (491), Canada (440), Australia (247), Argentina and Georgia (241 each), South Africa and Germany (210 each), and Brazil (200).
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer described the trend as a "powerful ideological manifesto," noting that increased interest from Western countries presents a "historic window of opportunity." Doron Almog, head of the Jewish Agency, stated that the decision reflects a "deep attachment to the country and unwavering faith in its future."
The report also indicates a "rejuvenation" of new immigrants, with 35% aged 18-35, including many engineers, doctors, and skilled professionals. Children under 18 constitute 24% of the total, while those aged 36-50 represent 18%, and individuals over 51 make up the remaining 23%. The oldest new immigrants were 102-year-olds from France and Russia, and the youngest was a two-week-old infant born in Mexico.
Within Israel, Tel Aviv is the most popular destination, receiving 2,762 immigrants, followed by Netanya (2,224), Jerusalem (2,134), Haifa (1,504), and Ra'anana (1,042). Notably, 31% chose to settle in peripheral regions north of Hadera or south of Ashdod.
The report attributes a surge in interest in immigration to rising antisemitism and political turbulence in Western nations. The Jewish Agency has opened over 28,000 new immigration files, with substantial increases in initial applications from Australia (+89.7%), the UK (+68%), France (+31.5%), and the US (+17.1%).
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