Will 2024 Be a Year of Increased Aliyah?

May 2, 2024

by: Janet Aslin

Thursday, May 2, 2024 | Although it’s a bit too early to say for sure, aliyah (immigration to Israel) numbers could rebound this year, even with a war going on.

Two years ago, Israel saw approximately 75,000 Jews make aliyah, while last year’s figure dropped to 45,000. Both of these figures are relatively high. To put things in perspective, the previous ten years’ aliyah statistics averaged 25,000 new immigrants each year.

So, what about 2024? This year, Israel has been fighting a war against terror organizations whose slogan, “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free,” a slogan which envisions a land without any Jewish population at all. Surprisingly, in the face of that message, applications are increasing. Citing data from the Jewish Agency, Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration reports “a sharp increase in new cases opened for immigration” since the Swords of Iron War began. “In France, [there has been] an increase of about 300%, over 100% in the USA, 150% in Canada and about 40% in the UK.”

An article published by Israel Hayom stated that the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, along with the Jewish Agency and other organizations, “estimate that the reasons for the spike in requests to open immigration files are the war in Israel and the growing anti-Semitism worldwide.” And in anticipation of these new citizens, a new Hebrew language-learning program is being introduced to help these new immigrants begin their studies, even before their departure date!

In an article for Ynet, Daniel Green had some advice for Jewish people considering aliyah at this time. “Being in Israel during times of war can be quite powerful in terms of bonding—with neighbors, strangers and taxi drivers—and generally brings out the best in people…You need to learn to adopt the Israeli mindset of ‘this is Israel, what other home do we have.’” Green came from Australia, planning to “give it three months” and 14 years later, he is still here.

Another factor influencing aliyah is rapidly increasing anti-Semitism on a global level. Lior, a recent olah (new immigrant) from the US, described her life in New York City to Israel Hayom, “The situation is not easy. You’re a target because you’re Jewish. There are more pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel demonstrations. This is not our country—and that’s another reason why I wanted to come, in order to feel more belonging.”

Jewish residents of countries outside of Israel are facing increased anti-Semitic activity—especially on college campuses. Israeli universities have been quick to respond. Presidents of nine Israeli universities issued a strong statement which included these words, “We offer our support to the Jewish and Israeli students and faculty facing these difficult circumstances. We will do our best to assist those of them who wish to join Israeli universities and find a welcoming academic and personal home.”

When David Ben-Gurion read the declaration that established the modern State of Israel, these words rang out: “The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles.” And ever since that historic pronouncement on May 14, 1948, the nation has welcomed its sons and daughters back home—especially during times such as these.

Posted on May 2, 2024

Source: (Bridges for Peace, May 2, 2024)

Photo Credit: photographer unknown/bridgesforpeace.com