Israel sees overall drop in immigration in 2025, while aliyah from the West increases

Israel’s Immigration and Absorption Ministry announced on Monday that 21,900 immigrants moved to the country in 2025, marking a roughly one-third decline compared to immigration figures in 2024.

The decline in immigration to Israel (aliyah) was largely attributed to a 50% decrease in the number of immigrants arriving from Russia. Despite the overall drop in 2025, Jewish immigration increased by 45% from France and by 13% from North America. Immigration also rose from the United Kingdom and other Western countries, amid reports of increased antisemitism worldwide following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and war in Gaza. The ministry said that approximately 33% of new immigrants were between the ages of 18 and 35.

The organization Nefesh B’Nefesh has facilitated much of the recent increase in immigration to Israel from North America and other Western societies.

“These new Olim are already helping to address Israel’s national needs and strengthen its future, and we recognize the significance of their decision to establish their lives in the State of Israel at this pivotal moment in the country’s history,” Nefesh B’Nefesh co-founder and executive director, Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, explained.

In 2022, Israel welcomed some 70,000 immigrants from 95 different countries. It was the largest number of new immigrants in two decades, mainly attributed to the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, immigration from Russia and Ukraine has since declined dramatically since the Hamas attack. Altogether, more than one million people have immigrated to Israel from Russia and other former Soviet Republics since the early 1990s.

The year 2025 has also been characterized by a reverse trend, where more Israelis departed than returned home. Data from September revealed that 82,800 Israelis left the Jewish state in 2025 compared to 55,300 in 2023. During the same period, 24,200 Israelis returned home in 2025 compared to 27,800 in 2023. This increase in the number of Israelis leaving the country is mainly attributed to the war and socio-economic factors.

Meanwhile, the Jewish state is stepping up its efforts to absorb a growing number of diaspora Jews because of the rise of global antisemitism. As many as 20,000 Jews worldwide have reportedly attended immigration fairs organized by Israel’s Immigration and Absorption Ministry and the Jewish Agency.

“With the support of the prime minister, we are promoting a broad government decision to encourage immigration from countries where antisemitism is increasing,” said Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer. “This, along with many programs to integrate immigrants in the fields of employment, housing, higher education and the community, is expected to encourage further immigration and strengthen the State of Israel.”

Last month, the Israeli government approved a plan to complete the immigration of the remaining Bnei Menashe community from India by 2030, with about 1,200 members expected to immigrate to Israel in 2026.