More than 31,000 immigrants from over 100 countries moved to Israel over the past year, despite the ongoing war, according to data released Sunday by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and the Jewish Agency ahead of Rosh Hashana.
The report shows a marked increase in immigration inquiries from Western nations during the Jewish year 5784. As part of Israel's post-war recovery efforts, both the ministry and the Jewish Agency are planning initiatives to boost immigration in the coming years.
According to the data, from September 16, 2023, to September 19, 2024, nearly 20,000 immigrants arrived from Russia, and more than 3,340 came from the United States and Canada, with support from Nefesh B'Nefesh. Over 1,820 immigrants came from France, followed by 980 from Ukraine, 975 from Belarus, 560 from the United Kingdom and over 450 from Argentina. Additional significant numbers of immigrants came from Georgia, South Africa, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Germany, Azerbaijan, Australia, Mexico and Kazakhstan.
Around 31% of the new arrivals, or approximately 9,600 individuals, were young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, many of whom were integrated through special programs aimed at strengthening Israel's society and economy. A substantial number of these young immigrants also enlisted in the IDF.
Children and teenagers aged 0 to 17 made up 20% of the new arrivals, while 21% were between the ages of 36 and 50. Smaller percentages were seen in older age groups, including 13% aged 51 to 60 and 10% aged 66 and older. Slightly more than half of this year's immigrants were women.
The report also highlights a surge in immigration interest since the outbreak of war on October 7, with a sharp increase in the number of immigration applications from Western countries. France led the way with a 352% rise in new immigration cases, while the United States saw a 60% increase, and Canada reported an 87% rise. The United Kingdom also saw a 62% increase in new immigration cases.
2 View gallery
Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Jewish Agency chairman Doron Almog with new arrivals from France, late October
(Photo: Guy Yehiali/Jewish Agency)
Netanya absorbed the most new immigrants this year, with over 4,700, followed by Tel Aviv with around 4,480. Other major destinations included Haifa, Jerusalem, Bat Yam and Ashdod.
"Aliyah is one of the cornerstones of Zionism," said Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. "In the past year, tens of thousands of immigrants have arrived, choosing to come during one of the most challenging periods. This wave of Aliyah is a testament to the strong connection between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel, bringing hope and pride while serving as a significant growth engine for our society and economy."
Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog echoed these sentiments, calling Aliyah a "tremendous growth engine" for Israel. "These new immigrants represent the spirit of the Jewish people – a spirit of devotion and love. I hope we see another million Olim in the coming years to help build a stronger and better Israel."