Which Countries Lead in Aliyah to Israel? All the Details
Data from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration ahead of the 78th Independence Day reveal: Despite the war and threats, thousands of Jews from Russia, the USA, and France continued to arrive in Israel. The surprising figure: Olim prefer to reside in the more frequently targeted Tel Aviv and Central region over the relatively quiet Jerusalem.
Ahead of the celebrations for the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is publishing encouraging data regarding the scope of Aliyah to Israel over the past year. According to the data, between May 1, 2025, and April 24, 2026, 18,696 new Olim arrived in Israel from 103 different countries around the world.
While this represents a decrease compared to the same period last year, when 26,211 Olim arrived, the arrival of thousands of Jews in the midst of a complex security period serves as a badge of honor for national resilience.
The relatively high number of new Olim during a year of war testifies to their strong desire to reach Israel even in difficult times, and despite obstacles in air routes due to the decision of many foreign companies to significantly reduce the number of flights to Israel or not to renew air connections with a country in an ongoing war until further notice.
Where did the Olim come from and where did they choose to live?
The leading country in the number of Olim is Russia, from which 6,094 Olim arrived. Following on the list are the United States with 3,469 Olim and France with 3,277 Olim. Additionally, Aliyah was recorded from many countries including Britain, Ukraine, Canada, Belarus, Georgia, Argentina, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, and Australia.
An interesting figure emerges from the choice of residence of the new Olim. Despite the ongoing missile threat from Iran and Hezbollah, most Olim chose to establish their homes specifically in Tel Aviv and the Central region.
This is despite the fact that Jerusalem experienced a much lower number of sirens during the recent period. It is possible that the reason for this is the new Olim's desire to further strengthen the sense of "I am with him in trouble" and to come specifically to the more targeted area, and also because of their knowledge that Tel Aviv and the Center offer them more opportunities to "experience the world in Israel," primarily in the field of culture.
Significant strengthening for the People of Israel
Aliyah to Israel is not the only measure of strengthening the nation at this time.
In an interview for the "Oyver Chuchmes" podcast with Ariel Sherper on the "Srugim" website, Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, a conversion judge in the "Nativ" program, noted that since October 7, there has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking to convert.
Those seeking to convert, similar to the new Olim, significantly strengthen the People of Israel and provide it with social and spiritual resilience that is projected to the entire world.