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Aliyah & Integration / ICEJ Reports

ICEJ Anticipates Increase in Jewish Immigration to Israel

By Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director

The summer of 2024 was exciting for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) as we are amid what promises to be a major year of Aliyah—Jewish immigration to Israel. Despite ongoing challenges, including the wars in Israel and Ukraine and rising antisemitism worldwide, the ICEJ anticipates an increase in Aliyah numbers throughout this summer and fall. 

A Heightened Urgency for Immigration to Israel

Traditionally, the summer months are a peak season for Aliyah, as Jewish families relocate before the Israeli school year starts on September 1. This year, however, there is a heightened urgency due to the global surge in antisemitism. Remarkably, many are choosing to make Aliyah not despite the current conflict, but because of it, as they are driven by a desire to contribute to Israel’s needs during these trying times. 

Earlier in the summer, ICEJ Senior Vice President & Spokesman David Parsons delivered a powerful message to a large Christian gathering in The Hague, emphasizing the prophetic significance of this moment: “Today, we are in a time of favor upon Zion. A time of favor and ingathering and replanting. I say that even in light of the immense tragedy of October 7. Unlike in the past, Israel now has a state and a strong army that can defend them—they just cannot let their guard down.” 

Because we are convinced that God’s hand is regathering the Jewish people, the ICEJ has an unwavering commitment to support Aliyah, and even more so in this time of war and the meteoric rise of antisemitism worldwide. 

Jewish Aliyah summer camp
Jewish youth learn about Israel and Aliyah (photo: Jewish Agency)
Jewish Aliyah summer camp
Jewish youth from diverse backgrounds learn about Israel (photo: Jewish Agency)

ICEJ-Sponsored Summer Aliyah Programs

One cornerstone of the ICEJ’s summer Aliyah work is sponsoring youth Aliyah programs and summer camps for Jewish youths across Eastern Europe. These initiatives play a crucial role in connecting young Jews to their ancient heritage and introducing them to life in Israel. The ICEJ supported several summer camps this year spread across eight time zones, from the Baltic states to the Far East. In addition to Jewish youths having a fun time together, these camps offer a unique blend of cultural immersion, education about Israel, and practical preparation for Aliyah. 

One ICEJ-assisted Aliyah summer camp in Latvia, for example, hosted 95 children and 23 camp counselors. The diverse group included Ukrainian refugees from various European countries, as well as local Jewish children from Latvia and Lithuania. These camps provided more than just a summer retreat—they offered a transformative experience that helped many young people reconnect with their Jewish faith and envision their future in Israel. 

The ICEJ also sponsored a series of Aliyah seminars and workshops. Plans include overnight Aliyah seminars in western Ukraine and Poland, each lasting two to three days and serving up to 70 participants. Additionally, six Aliyah Days are scheduled in Warsaw and the Baltic region, offering concentrated lectures and workshops on Aliyah and life in Israel. 

Jewish Aliyah summer camp
Jewish youth weave their way through a web of strings
at the Latvia summer camp (photo: JAFI)
Jewish Aliyah summer camp
Jewish youth do arts and crafts at an Aliyah summer camp (photo: Jewish Agency)

The ICEJ’s work extends beyond organizing Aliyah flights and camps. We also assist Olim (new immigrants) at every stage of their journey. This includes help with submitting documents, flights, and ground transportation, as well as with integration into Israeli society. We recognize that Aliyah is not just about physical relocation; it is about building a new life in the Jewish homeland and fulfilling biblical prophecy. 

However, this vital work cannot be accomplished alone. The ICEJ relies on the support of Christians worldwide who share the vision of restoring the Jewish people to their homeland. Indeed, we are in a time of favor upon Zion, and there is a new wave of Aliyah developing at this very time. 

As we witness this prophetic ingathering, let us remember it is our privilege to take part in God’s present plans for Israel. We invite you to give your best gift today, to help write this new chapter in the biblical story of Aliyah—immigration to Israel. Together we can ensure that more Jewish families find their way home, fulfilling ancient promises and shaping the future of Israel. 

Support the ICEJ’s Aliyah work helping Jewish people around the world in their immigration to Israel.

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Main photo: JAFI