More Than 20,000 People Immigrated to Israel in One Year

The Jewish Agency for Israel

More than 20,000 new immigrants from 100 countries arrived in Israel between September 2025 and September 2026. The largest groups came from Russia, France and the United States, according to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

Who Is Moving to Israel

The statistics cover the period from September 23, 2025, to September 3, 2026. During this time, 5,685 people immigrated to Israel from Russia. France ranked second with 4,364, followed by the United States with 3,333. Another 975 arrived from the United Kingdom, 797 from Ukraine, 491 from Belarus and 440 from Canada.

The figures for other countries were lower:

• Australia — 247;
• Argentina — 243;
• Georgia — 241;
• South Africa — 210;
• Germany — 210;
• Brazil — 200.

Young people account for a significant share of new immigrants: 35% of arrivals are aged 18 to 35. This group includes doctors and professionals in high-demand occupations. Children and teenagers under 18 account for 24%, followed by people aged 36 to 50 at 18%. Those over 65 represent 10%, people aged 51 to 60 account for 9%, and those aged 61 to 65 make up 5%.

Two immigrants from Russia and France are 102 years old. The youngest is just two weeks old: the infant's family moved to Israel from Mexico.

Where New Immigrants Choose to Live in Israel

Around 31% of arrivals chose communities north of Hadera or south of Ashdod. A total of 3,862 people, or about 20%, settled in the north, while 2,247, or 11%, chose the south.

Tel Aviv was the most popular city, attracting 2,762 new immigrants. It was followed by Netanya (2,224), Jerusalem (2,134), Haifa (1,504) and Ra'anana (1,042). Bat Yam received 957 people, Ashdod 846, Beit Shemesh 680, Ashkelon 534 and Rishon LeZion 450. Another 307 settled in Nahariya and 132 in Eilat.

The Jewish Agency is developing dedicated relocation programs for northern and southern Israel. One initiative, Garinei Aliyah, enables groups of young families to immigrate together and go through the integration process as a group within specific municipalities and local communities.

Interest in Immigration to Israel

Over the year, more than 28,000 people worldwide opened Aliyah files through the Jewish Agency's Global Aliyah Center in Jerusalem. In France, the number increased by 31.5%, from 5,349 to 7,033; in the United States, by 17.1%, from 5,745 to 6,725; and in the United Kingdom, by 68%, from 1,348 to 2,264. Canada recorded an increase of 10.7% to 956 applications, while South Africa saw growth of 14.3% to 368. Australia posted the strongest increase among the countries listed, with the number of files rising by 89.7%, from 311 to 590.

During the year, Aliyah fairs were held in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Azerbaijan and Australia. Participants received information about immigration procedures, employment and integration in Israel. The events were organized with the participation of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization and other relevant organizations.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer highlighted the increase in immigration from France and the United Kingdom amid the war in Israel, political developments around the world and rising antisemitism. He expects immigration from Western countries to continue growing and described the trend as an important opportunity for Israel.

How Israel Supports New Immigrants

Professional training and employment programs are available to new immigrants in Israel. They include assistance with job searches and connections with major companies and organizations. During the reporting period, 414 doctors moved to Israel, along with professionals in other high-demand fields.

The Jewish Agency is also developing dedicated relocation programs for northern and southern Israel. In particular, the Garinei Aliyah model allows groups of young families to move together and integrate into local communities and municipalities. These projects are also intended to support the demographic and economic development of the regions.

Another form of support involves taxation. New immigrants and citizens returning after an extended period abroad can receive tax relief on employment income and income from business activities in Israel. The benefit applies to those who arrived between November 5, 2025, and December 31, 2026, and is available for up to five years, from 2026 through 2030.

In 2026, the maximum income eligible for tax exemption in Israel is set at 600,000 shekels ($198,900). In 2027 and 2028, the limit rises to ILS 1,000,000 ($331,500) per year, before falling to ILS 350,000 ($116,000) in 2029 and ILS 150,000 ($49,700) in 2030. A separate annual limit of ILS 140,000 ($46,400) applies to those employed by a close relative.

How Immigration to Israel Has Changed

The latest figures are significantly lower than in 2022, when Israel received 76,616 new immigrants. The sharp increase was driven primarily by arrivals from Russia and Ukraine after the outbreak of hostilities. That period was exceptional, however: in preceding years, the country received around 30,000 people annually. The latest figures are therefore much closer to the levels typical for Israel before that surge.

Another exceptional period followed the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, when the situation changed dramatically. During the first two and a half months of the war, only 2,403 immigrants arrived in Israel, almost ten times fewer than during the comparable period in 2022.

Analysts at International Investment note that the situation in the region remains difficult. The prolonged conflict in Gaza has been compounded by the war with Iran. Elevated risks may deter people considering a move to Israel. The tensions also affect the country's appeal to tourists, property buyers and investors. Security remains a key factor in their decisions.