Nearly 1,800 North Americans have immigrated to Israel since the Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, with an additional 2,000 newcomers expected this summer, according to Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Since Hamas triggered the current war nearly 10 months ago, more than 10,000 requests have come in to open aliyah files in North America—a 76% increase from the same period a year earlier, the organization said. Nearly half of the applicants noted that Zionist ideals and expressions of solidarity with the Jewish state prompted their decision.
“We warmly welcome the many olim who have decided to make aliyah at this time,” said Israeli Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer. “This is a choice of Jews from around the world, especially from the United States, to move to Israel as part of the greater Jewish story.”
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, added: “We eagerly anticipate welcoming hundreds of new olim who, in the face of the current uncertainty, are arriving with unwavering determination to fulfill their dreams of making Israel their home.”
He said, “It is inspiring to see so many impassioned olim embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives, and we are ever present to provide unwavering support and guidance to ensure their smooth integration into Israeli society.”
A massive wave of French Jewish immigration is also expected in the wake of the July 7 election, which saw the far-left antisemitic France Unbowed Party and its New Popular Front alliance garner the most seats in a hung parliament.
“These newcomers are symbols of hope and the future, the promise of growth and prosperity,” Jewish Agency for Israel chairman Maj. Gen (res.) Doron Almog. “Together with them, we will build a stronger and more powerful State of Israel.”
