Jewish Agency Reports Fourfold Surge in UK Aliyah Files Since October 7
Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog reported a fourfold surge in Aliyah files opened in the UK and noted that 75,000 immigrants have arrived in Israel since October 7.
The chairman of the Jewish Agency, Doron Almog, stated that Aliyah files opened in the United Kingdom have quadrupled since the outbreak of the war, reflecting a surge in immigration interest from Western countries.
Speaking at a special session during a major media conference in New York, Almog reported that roughly 75,000 new immigrants have arrived in Israel since October 7. He noted that alongside the fourfold increase in the UK, the number of immigrants arriving from France has more than doubled, driven largely by younger demographics, academics, and young families.
Almog emphasized that the current wave consists of highly motivated individuals. Addressing the phenomenon of lone soldiers, he mentioned that the agency also supports their parents, occasionally bringing them to Israel, while noting unique challenges faced by soldiers returning to countries like South Africa amid legal tensions.
Discussing the broader impact on Jewish communities worldwide, Almog described the events of October 7 as an earthquake for global Jewry. However, he stressed that it also showcased the resilience and generosity of the Jewish public, with philanthropic funding reaching billions of dollars to support displaced families, emergency response funds, and terror victims.
Looking ahead, Almog highlighted integration improvements, such as pre-landing licensing for professionals and targeted support for families with special needs. He concluded that Israeli industry views immigration as a vital growth engine, calling for an expansion of the emissary network to further strengthen ties between Israel and Jewish communities abroad.
