Unprecedented 29 000 Jews immigrate to Israel amid Gaza war, global antisemitism

South African Jews making aliyah are greeted at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv

Over 29 000 new immigrants have arrived in Israel since the October 7 Hamas invasion and massacre, according to a recent report from the World Zionist Organization (WZO) in Tel Aviv, reports allisraelnews.

The unprecedented surge in aliyah (immigration to Israel), despite Israel’s war against the Hamas terror organisation in Gaza in the south and the conflict with Hezbollah terror attacks in the north, comes amid rising antisemitism worldwide.

- Advertisement -

The report indicated a 355% increase in immigration from France alone, with over 5 500 files opened since the war began last October, compared to just 1 200 during the same period in 2023.

- Advertisement -

In the United States, the number of open immigration files rose by 62%, totaling over 6 000 people.

Canada also experienced an 87% increase, with over 800 Jews initiating a move to Israel.

- Advertisement -

According to Israel’s Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the number of South African Jewish olim (newcomers) arriving in Israel during the first half of 2024 has reached over 150. Just this week, 13 Jewish immigrants – two from Cape Town and 11 from Johannesburg – arrived in Israel on aliyah flights sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s (ICEJ SA) South Africa which has raised funds to sponsor 40 seats for Jewish families on flights from SA this year.

More than 150 French olim arrived at Ben-Gurion International Airport on Tuesday.

Yaakov Hagoel, chairman of the World Zionist Organization, who welcomed this week’s new arrivals, highlighted their strong determination and deep love for Israel.

“It is incredible that since the massacre of October 7, Israel has seen a dramatic increase in olim. The arrival of over 29 000 new olim during this time of crisis demonstrates that the Jewish people are determined to continue building their future in our homeland, the land of Israel. This unprecedented aliyah is a testament to the recognition of the global Jewish community that Israel is not just a refuge, but a beacon of hope and faith.”

Hagoel noted that global antisemitism has caused Jews to feel unsafe everywhere.

“On October 7, a war erupted not against the state of Israel, but against the Jewish people. Today, in many countries around the world, it is hard to be a Jew, whether at school, at work, or at prayer,” he said.

“The war we face is not just a battle for Israel’s security but for the survival and future of the Jewish people. The strong response we are witnessing through this wave of aliyah is a powerful affirmation of our collective resolve to stand with Israel, now more than ever.”

Hagoel vowed: “We will make sure that Jews everywhere feel safe, supported, and encouraged to make aliyah.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Please help us to keep on publishing news that brings Hope in Jesus:

>> Donate  >> Become a Super Subscriber

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/gatewaynews100

COMMENTING GUIDELINES
You are welcome to engage with our articles by making comments [in the Comments area below] that add value to a topic or to engage in thoughtful, constructive discussion with fellow readers. Comments that contain vulgar language will be removed. Hostile, demeaning, disrespectful, propagandistic and off-topic comments may also be moved. This is a Christian website and if you wish to vent against Christian beliefs you have probably come to the wrong place and your comments may be removed. Ongoing debates and repetitiveness will not be tolerated. You will also disqualify yourself from commenting if you engage in trolling.


Click banner for more info