North American aliyah wave continues as 2,200 immigrants set to arrive this summer

AUGUST 27, 2026 14:50Nearly 150 new immigrants from North America are expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday aboard six separate flights, including close to 100 who landed at Ben-Gurion Airport within a half-hour period in the morning, according to Nefesh B'Nefesh.The immigrants are part of an unprecedented wave of aliyah taking place during the summer months, from June through September. During this period, more than 2,200 new immigrants from North America, including some 480 families, are expected to arrive in Israel on nearly 100 group flights departing from across the United States and Canada.More than 1,100 immigrants arrived in August alone, making it one of the most active months for aliyah facilitated by Nefesh B'Nefesh since the organization's founding, according to its data."The historic wave of aliyah we are experiencing this summer is the most moving testimony to the resilience of the Jewish people and to the deep connection between North American Jewry and the State of Israel," Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of Nefesh B'Nefesh, said."The fact that thousands of families and young people are choosing to relocate their lives and build their futures here, especially at this time, is a Zionist shot in the arm and an enormous engine of growth for Israeli society and the economy," Fass added. "We are proud to stand alongside them and accompany them, together with our partners, as they begin a new chapter in Israel."Family attends Nefesh B'Nefesh event ahead of Aliyah to Jerusalem (credit: SHAHAR AZRAN)Nefesh B'Nefesh is facilitating the aliyah process in cooperation with the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, and Jewish National Fund-USA. The organization's teams accompany immigrants throughout the aliyah and integration process, from preparations in their countries of origin through their arrival in Israel and the completion of their absorption procedures.August record follows an especially strong start to the yearThe August record follows an especially strong start to the year. Since the beginning of 2026, approximately 2,700 new immigrants from North America have moved to Israel. Based on these figures, Nefesh B'Nefesh estimates that more than 4,000 North American immigrants will make aliyah by the end of the year, making 2026 one of the strongest years for aliyah since the organization's establishment in 2002.A demographic breakdown of this summer's immigrants shows a young and diverse population, with an average age of 29. The current wave includes about 480 families, about 1,100 single men and women, and about 250 retirees.In addition, approximately 700 children and teenagers are expected to begin the upcoming school year in Israel, including around 80 children entering first grade. Some 300 young men and women are also expected to contribute through service in the IDF or National Service after settling in Israel."I welcome the many immigrants who landed and will land in Israel today. As the summer months draw to a close, it is moving to see the large number of young immigrants and families who have chosen to establish their future in the home of the Jewish people," Aliyah Minister Ofir Sofer said.Referring to his ministry's work, Sofer added, "In recent years, we have led significant processes at the Aliyah and Integration Ministry and laid the groundwork to encourage aliyah and ensure the optimal integration of immigrants from Western countries and around the world. The range of programs and reforms we have advanced will help immigrants integrate into their communities and the workforce, and will contribute to strengthening the State of Israel socially, economically, and in terms of security."The immigrants are also bringing a broad range of professional skills, including doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, accountants, and professionals from other fields.The new immigrants are arriving from across North America, with the leading places of origin including New York, New Jersey, Florida, California, Maryland, Illinois, Ontario in Canada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia.After arriving, they are expected to settle in communities across Israel, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Beit Shemesh, Ra'anana, Modi'in-Maccabim-Reut, and Haifa. At the same time, approximately 650 immigrants are expected to choose communities in the Negev and Galilee as part of the "Zinuk Ba'Aliyah" program, operated in partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund to encourage settlement in national priority areas."Behind each of the 1,100 immigrants who arrived from North America over the past month is a story of choice. Families, children, young people, and professionals who chose to build their lives here and be part of the future of the State of Israel," Jewish Agency chairman Maj.-Gen. (res.) Doron Almog said."They arrive here with their dreams, their abilities, and their desire to contribute, and in doing so they strengthen Israeli society and the country as a whole."Addressing The Jewish Agency's role in the aliyah effort, Almog added, "Our mission is to be there for them throughout the journey and help them turn their major decision into a home, where they can integrate and build their lives."Follow us on Google