More than 20,000 new olim from nearly 100 countries moved to Israel over the past year despite the ongoing security situation, according to new figures released by Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the Jewish Agency.

Russia led the list with 5,685 olim, followed by France with 4,364, the United States with 3,333 and the United Kingdom with 975. An additional 797 arrived from Ukraine, 491 from Belarus, 440 from Canada, 247 from Australia, 243 from Argentina, 241 from Georgia, 210 each from South Africa and Germany, and 200 from Brazil.

Officials also reported a sharp increase in people considering Aliyah from Western countries, with more than 28,000 Jews worldwide opening Aliyah files during the year. Australia saw an 89.7% increase in new files, while the United Kingdom recorded a 68% jump and France saw an increase of 31.5%.

Tel Aviv received the largest number of new olim, with 2,762, followed by Netanya with 2,224, Jerusalem with 2,134, Haifa with 1,504 and Ra’anana with 1,042. Bat Yam received 957, Ashdod 846, Beit Shemesh 680, Ashkelon 534 and Rishon LeZion 450. Nahariya absorbed 307 olim, while Eilat received 132.

The figures show that 35% of the new olim were between the ages of 18 and 35, while another 24% were children and teenagers. Additionally, 414 doctors who made Aliyah were integrated into Israel’s healthcare system during the year. About one-third of all olim settled in communities north of Hadera or in southern Israel.

Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer said the growing interest in Aliyah, particularly amid rising antisemitism around the world, represents a major national opportunity for Israel. Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog welcomed the new olim, describing their decision to move to Israel as a powerful expression of confidence in the country’s future.

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