Israel Sees Over 200% Rise in French Immigrants as 128 Newcomers Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport
A special flight carrying 128 new immigrants from France landed at Ben Gurion Airport, marking the start of Israel's 2026 summer immigration season. The group included the youngest immigrants, three-month-old Kara and Avital, and the oldest, 73-year-old Max, who arrived with his daughter’s family and five-month-old grandson Menachem. They were warmly welcomed by Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, and Dganit Sanker Lenga, CEO of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, alongside donors from ICEJ, family members, and youth movement participants.
Since October 7, over 67,100 immigrants from dozens of countries have arrived in Israel, with about one-third under the age of 35. Many have joined programs contributing to Israel’s economic growth. Immigration from France has surged dramatically: 1,097 French immigrants arrived in 2023, doubling to 2,234 in 2024, and rising to 3,357 in 2025, representing a more than 200% increase over two years. In 2026, this upward trend continues with approximately 790 arrivals compared to 690 in the same period last year. Overall, more than 6,500 French immigrants have arrived since October 7.
Interest in immigration from France is also reflected in aliyah application data. From October 7, 2023, to June 2026, over 75,000 Jews worldwide opened aliyah files with the Jewish Agency’s Global Aliyah Center, supported by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. About 18,500 of these applicants are from France, including 2,500 who applied in 2026 alone, a 30% increase over the previous year.
The recent flight’s passengers were mostly young families, including 65 children and teenagers who will join the Israeli education system in the upcoming school year, with eight toddlers under two years old. Nearly one-third of the immigrants will settle in Netanya, with others moving to Raanana, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba, and Jerusalem.
Doron Almog emphasized that immigration is the "beating heart of the Jewish story," symbolizing historical responsibility and partnership in building Israel. Dganit Sanker Lenga highlighted the immigrants’ choice to join Israel during challenging times as a profound expression of Zionism, faith, and commitment, reinforcing Israeli society and its future.
