Israel Welcomes 230 New Immigrants from France Amid Rising Aliyah Trend

On Monday, 230 new immigrants from France arrived in Israel as part of the Summer 2026 Aliyah operation, bringing the total number of immigrants since the operation's start to approximately 800. The arrivals were welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer, and dozens of Bnei Akiva youth movement members.

The Summer 2026 Aliyah operation aims to bring thousands of new immigrants from various countries during the summer months, many of whom are families with children seeking to integrate into Israeli society before the new school year begins. Since October 7, over 67,100 new immigrants have arrived in Israel from numerous countries worldwide.

France remains a key source country for immigration to Israel, with a sharp increase in recent years. In 2023, 1,097 immigrants arrived from France; this number doubled to 2,234 in 2024 and rose further to 3,357 in 2025, marking over a 200% increase in two years. The trend continues in 2026, with about 800 French immigrants arriving so far compared to approximately 690 during the same period last year. Overall, since October 7, more than 6,500 immigrants have come from France.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the new immigrants, stating, "We warmly and excitedly receive our dear brothers immigrating from France. The people of Israel are returning to their land and fulfilling the vision of the end of days with a strong economy and a thriving state. The Finance Ministry under my leadership provides immigrants with a full absorption package and a smooth landing."

Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer added, "I congratulate our brothers from French Jewry who continue to immigrate to Israel. Their desire to be part of the Zionist story, along with the initiatives and infrastructure we have built to encourage immigration from Western countries, brings more immigrants choosing Israel as their home. Immigrants strengthen the economy, healthcare, academia, and security systems. I call on Israeli citizens to welcome them warmly, assist their integration, and be partners in their successful absorption."