140 French immigrants arrive in Israel as aliyah rises more than 30%

A total of 140 new immigrants from France arrived in Israel on Monday aboard a special flight carrying dozens of young families, as French aliyah continues to rise sharply following the October 7 attacks. The “Families Flight” was organized by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency for Israel in partnership with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). The Jewish Agency for Israel strengthens Israel and Jewish communities worldwide by advancing aliyah, deepening global Jewish connections, supporting community resilience and responding to emergencies facing the Jewish people. Among the passengers were 80 infants, children and teenagers who are expected to begin the coming school year in Israel’s education system. Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer and Jewish Agency Executive Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog accompanied the new olim on their journey from France to Israel. One of the flight’s most symbolic moments came at an altitude of 35,000 feet, when each immigrant received an official Israeli identification number. Before the plane had landed, the passengers formally became Israeli citizens. The group included three sets of twins: four-month-old Mia and Ethel, five-month-old Noam and Nerly, and 11-year-old Noa and Avidan. The oldest passenger was Annie, 85, who fulfilled a lifelong dream of making aliyah and reuniting with her children, who already live in Israel. According to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency, about 2,400 immigrants from France arrived in Israel between the beginning of 2026 and the end of July, an increase of more than 30% compared with the same period last year. More than 7,000 French immigrants have made aliyah since the October 7 terrorist attacks. The annual figures show a steady rise. In 2023, 1,097 immigrants arrived from France. The number more than doubled to 2,234 in 2024 and rose again to 3,357 in 2025. Interest in aliyah has also increased significantly. Since October 7, 2023, about 80,000 Jews worldwide have opened immigration files through The Jewish Agency’s Global Aliyah Center, which operates with support from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. About 20,000 of those applications came from France. Roughly 2,800 French Jews opened aliyah files since the beginning of 2026, nearly 30% more than during the same period last year. The new immigrants were welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by relatives, government and Jewish Agency representatives, ICEJ supporters and members of Israeli youth movements, who greeted them with flags, music and dancing. “It’s so moving to see young families choosing to make aliyah to Israel, especially now,” Sofer said. “They are choosing to raise their children here, in the State of Israel, the home of the Jewish people.” Sofer said the government had introduced reforms intended to make immigration and integration easier, including programs for students, streamlined professional licensing and housing initiatives. “All of these are meant to help newcomers integrate quickly into Israeli society and the workforce,” he said. “But above and beyond all the reforms and changes stands the great Israeli spirit, and that depends on all of us, on each and every one of us. Welcome to Israel.” Almog described aliyah as “the growth engine of the State of Israel.” “Seeing children excited to board the plane in France and stepping off it as Israeli citizens, alongside parents who choose to start a new life here despite all the challenges, is a reminder of the power of Zionism,” he said. “Every family that arrives strengthens the State of Israel, and our mission is to accompany them from the very first moment and ensure they feel that this is their home.” ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler said the increase in French aliyah was particularly encouraging amid Israel’s continuing security challenges. “We are honored to support this new wave of Jewish olim, who will make meaningful contributions to Israel’s economy, society and cultural life,” he said.