Imagine starting a brand new life in a new country, filled with hope and the promise of belonging. That’s exactly what the Sachs family from Sydney, Australia, did as they stepped off their plane at Ben Gurion Airport, becoming Israel’s first immigrants of 2026! Trevor, Dalit, and their daughter Ashira were met with warm welcomes, including Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer, and promptly received their Israeli ID cards. This family’s journey is extra special, as their son, Levi, had already made the leap and is now proudly serving in the Israel Defence Forces.
Minister Sofer expressed his delight, noting that the Sachs family’s choice, especially with Levi serving, is truly inspiring. He emphasized ongoing efforts to encourage more Jewish immigration, or Aliyah, from Australia. Their arrival sets the tone for a year that follows a compelling trend: nearly 22,000 people immigrated to Israel in 2025. While this number was about one-third of the previous year’s total, the origins of these new Israelis tell a fascinating story.
According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, there’s been a significant shift in global Jewish migration patterns. Immigration from Russia and Ukraine has decreased by half, but arrivals from Western countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and France have surged. North American Aliyah rose by 13 percent, and French immigration jumped an impressive 45 percent! This change is widely attributed to a concerning rise in antisemitism in Western nations, making Israel a natural destination for those seeking a secure home. As Israel’s population reached over 10 million by the end of 2025, it continues to be a vibrant magnet for Jews worldwide, offering a sense of community and belonging.
