Photo by Noga Meles, GPO Record Number of Newcomers. As Israel approaches its 77th Independence Day, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has released immigration statistics for the past year. According to the data, since Independence Day last year, Israel welcomed 26,211 new immigrants from 102 countries worldwide.
Immigration continues even in this complex security period, reflecting Israel's resilience and the desire of many Jews to join the Zionist story.
Russia ranks as the top country of origin, with 14,398 immigrants. It is followed by the United States (3,185), France (2,253), and Ukraine. Others hail from the UK, Belarus, Canada, Georgia, Argentina, and South Africa, with a few from less common countries like Zambia, Iceland, Uganda, and Afghanistan.
Most immigrants chose to settle in the Netanya and Sharon area (4,814), followed by the Tel Aviv and central region (4,481), Haifa and the Krayot (3,586), and Jerusalem area (3,406).
Demographics show most immigrants are young: 4,355 are aged 25–34. Additionally, 5,047 are children and infants up to 18 years, and 237 immigrants are aged 85 and above. Among them, 1,250 are elderly living alone.
Regarding family structure, 2,494 families have 3–5 members, and 65 families have six or more. Gender distribution is nearly equal: 12,380 men and boys versus 13,831 women and girls.
This year also saw an increase in immigrants with essential professions: 3,012 are in technology and engineering, 1,316 in medicine and para-medicine, and 1,147 in education. Additionally, immigrants include artists, athletes, and professionals across various fields — law, marketing, accounting, humanities, social sciences, construction, and food.
Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer: "Beyond the significant contribution of immigration in security, economy, and society, immigration at this time reinforces solidarity and the spirit of the people. Even today, 77 years after the state's founding and in a particularly complex security period, we witness continued immigration and the desire of many Jews to immigrate now, during a war, to be part of the Zionist story. We will continue to work to the best of our ability for the success of aliyah and integration."