Immigration to Israel down 24% since last Independence Day

Ahead of Israel’s Independence Day, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry says 26,211 new immigrants have moved to Israel over the past year — 24% fewer than the 34,610 that arrived during the same period a year earlier.

Among the new immigrants, 14,398 came from Russia, 3,185 came from the United States and 2,253 moved from France, the ministry says.

Immigration to Israel has been on the decline since Hamas launched its war against Israel on October 7, 2023. After registering 46,590 new immigrants in 2023, immigration declined by 30% in 2024 to 32,161, despite rising antisemitism worldwide, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry says.

“Even today, 77 years after the establishment of the state and in a particularly complex security period, we see the continued desire of many Jews to immigrate, even during the war, in order to be part of the Zionist story,” says Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer. “Immigrating at this time strengthens Israel’s solidarity and boosts the spirit of the people.”