Aliyah from the West: Jews Return to Israel in Record Numbers

Aliyah from the West: Jews Return to Israel in Record Numbers

By ICEJ Aliyah Director Howard Flower

As we look back at 2025, we are witnessing something remarkable: while global Aliyah numbers have shifted, Aliyah from the West has surged to historic levels. Jews from France, Britain, Germany, and beyond are coming home to Israel in numbers not seen in years—and the ICEJ is honored to stand alongside them on this journey in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).

According to official JAFI statistics, Aliyah from many Western countries has grown dramatically over the past two years. The numbers tell an inspiring story.

Western Europe

Total immigration from Western Europe reached 5,103 in 2025—a remarkable 138% increase since 2023. France leads this wave, with 3,357 French Jews making Aliyah in 2025, more than triple the 1,051 who came in 2023. This 219% surge reflects both the troubling rise of antisemitism in France and a renewed desire among French Jews to build their future in the Jewish homeland. Great Britain followed suit, with 890 Olim arriving in 2025—up 136% from 2023. Germany also showed steady growth at 34%.

Arriving in Israel are French immigrants — French immigrants arrive in Israel. (Credit JAFI)

From North America, the numbers continue to climb. The United States saw 3,638 new immigrants in 2025, a 45% increase since 2023. Canadian Aliyah grew 51% over the same period, reaching 447 Olim.

Combined, Western Europe and North America accounted for over 9,000 new immigrants in 2025—nearly double the 4,954 who arrived in 2023. This 85% increase demonstrates that despite the challenges Israel has faced, Jews worldwide are choosing to come home.

Surveys indicate that approximately 38% of French Jews—around 200,000 people—are now considering Aliyah. With rising antisemitism across Europe and North America, we expect this stream to continue flowing strongly in 2026.

Aliyah from the South and East

ICEJ is also assisting with immigration programs for Olim from South and Latin America. Argentina remains the largest source country in the region due to its sizable Jewish community. The ICEJ is currently assisting families from Argentina and other Spanish-speaking countries through a mentoring and integration program. Still, significantly more support is needed to meet the rising demand due to increasing antisemitism.

Banner of balloons for French Aliyah — French Aliyah (Credit JAFI)

Aliyah from Ethiopia and South Africa continues in 2026 as well. These are two countries where ICEJ has been helping, as we watch Scripture being fulfilled about Jewish return to the land: “And from the South do not hold them back!” (Isaiah 43:6).

And from the East, a new wave of Aliyah is emerging from Northeast India with the homecoming of more than 5,800 Bnei Menashe who have been waiting for the green light from the government of Israel: 1,200 Bnei Menashe Olim are expected starting within the next month, with the first plane load of some 180 new Olim—100 of which the ICEJ is supporting. them. Regional tensions and ethnic violence have made the situation dangerous for the Bnei Menashe, who have literally been caught in the crossfire. The ICEJ has been supporting this Aliyah since 2012, and in the next 5 years, nearly the entire community will be home at last in Israel. Join us in this urgent mission.

Aliyah from the North

A Bnei Menashe Jewish immigrant is shown receiving a warm welcome at Ben Gurion Airport. — A Bnei Menashe Jewish immigrant receives a warm welcome at Ben Gurion Airport. (Credit JAFI)

Aliyah from the former Soviet Republics accounts for about 41% of total Aliyah. Partner with us to bring more Olim home from the land of the North. ICEJ began its work in 1980, assisting Jews from the Soviet Union in coming home to Israel, and since then, we have helped more than 193,000 Jewish people come home to Israel.

The prophet Isaiah envisioned a time when Gentile nations would actively assist in the return of the Jewish people to their homeland: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, and set up My standard for the peoples; they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders” (49:22). The imagery of carrying sons and daughters suggests a tender and nurturing role, as Gentiles support and facilitate Aliyah. That time is today.

Conclusion

The ICEJ is poised to help even more Jewish make Aliyah from the West, East, North, and South in 2026. Your support funds flights, pre-Aliyah preparation, Hebrew classes, and integration assistance for families starting new lives in Israel. Thank you for partnering with the ICEJ to fulfill the biblical promise of the Jewish return to their ancient homeland.