Thousands of New Immigrants Flock to Israel Amid Rising Antisemitism and Crisis

By the end of 2024, Israel is set to welcome more than 32,000 new immigrants, a significant increase attributed to various global factors, including rising antisemitism and a strong sense of solidarity with the Jewish homeland. As interest in aliyah (immigration from the Jewish Diaspora to Israel) grows, Jewish communities worldwide are responding to the call of returning to Israel, seeking both safety and connection with their heritage.

Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit organization that facilitates aliyah from North America, reported a surge in applications—about 70% more than in previous years. Marc Rosenberg, an executive at the organization, explained that the increased interest is largely driven by a renewed sense of Jewish identity. “Some have referred to this as a reactivated identity,” Rosenberg said. “People who were previously distant from Israel have moved a step closer, and those already connected feel even more drawn in.”

Over 4,000 North Americans have immigrated to Israel since the tragic October 7 attacks, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The Jewish Agency for Israel, which manages immigration, has reported a 400% increase in interest from France alone, and a 25-30% increase in the UK and North America. “People are not just curious but genuinely considering aliyah,” said Shay Felber, deputy director-general of the Jewish Agency.

The increase in aliyah is not merely a short-term response to the recent violence in Israel; it reflects a broader, long-term commitment to Israel as a homeland. Many immigrants, especially from North America, are driven by an intrinsic desire to connect with Israel, rather than fleeing due to external pressures like antisemitism or war.

While aliyah from countries like Russia and Ukraine saw a spike following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the numbers have since dropped, as many individuals immigrated quickly. However, the Jewish Agency still expects over 20,000 immigrants from the former Soviet Union in 2024—far higher than the pre-war average.

Despite these shifts, the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh have been adapting to meet the demand. Security at aliyah fairs has been increased, and new immigrants are provided with practical assistance, including bomb shelters and multilingual mental health support services to help them adapt to life in Israel amidst ongoing security challenges.