Jerusalem Actively Recruits New Immigrants With Comprehensive Support System

Jerusalem is actively working to attract and retain new immigrants, focusing on providing a robust support system that goes beyond initial arrival. Pini Glinkevitz, head of the Aliyah department in the Jerusalem Municipality, highlighted the city's proactive approach at the Global Aliyah Live Summit, emphasizing that Jerusalem is marketed as a developing city with significant potential.

The city's efforts are yielding results, with a high percentage of immigrants choosing to stay. Over 60-70% of those arriving in Jerusalem are under 40, including many families who integrate into the city's educational system. Crucially, 76% of immigrants remain in Jerusalem after two years, drawn by key factors like education and employment.

Jerusalem boasts an extensive educational network with over 800 schools across various streams, catering to diverse family needs. The city is also experiencing an economic boom, with over a million square meters of commercial and employment space being developed, transforming it into a startup hub. Approximately 60% of immigrants are academics who are finding roles that contribute to the city's advancement.

The municipality provides extensive practical support, beginning with outreach at immigration fairs abroad. This includes linguistic and cultural accessibility, dedicated contact persons in all departments, and step-by-step guidance through bureaucratic processes like school registration, banking, and Interior Ministry procedures. Community integration is facilitated through neighborhood-based absorption centers, ensuring immigrants have local support readily available.

Glinkevitz stressed the personal approach, stating, "We are personally absorbing you, are with you all the way, and care for you. Our message is clear: Jerusalem is waiting for you. It's not that you are a burden on us, or that this is immigration out of desperation, we choose you and want you here."

Immigrants like Galia Tsaig, who arrived from Canada five years ago, attest to the community's support, especially during challenging times like the period following October 7th. She found strength in the community she built, which also enabled her to contribute by cooking for soldiers and organizing neighborhood support efforts. Levi Simon, an oleh who arrived nine years ago, also relied on the community network for professional and personal integration. Immigrants express a strong desire to remain in Israel and contribute, feeling a deep connection to the Jewish people, even amidst ongoing conflict.