London held its first aliyah fair in five years on Sunday, amid growing interest in aliyah among British Jews as Jews around the world grapple with rising anti-Semitism and an uncertain future.
Those in attendance included Aliyah, Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotvely, and representatives of the Jewish Agency.
The expo was attended by hundreds of members of the British Jewish community, who were provided with extensive information from Israeli representatives about immigration possibilities and support for absorption into Israel.
Mr. Sofer addressed the guests, saying, “Since the outbreak of the ‘Iron Sword’ War, interest in Israeli immigration has increased, and we are holding this fair here in London for the first time in five years.” . I was happy to meet so many Jews who wanted to immigrate to Israel out of a desire to show solidarity and support for Israel during the war. ”
Israel seeks aid for new immigrants
The minister also mentioned the support Israel is giving to new immigrants: “We have Hebrew language learning programs, rental assistance in the Negev and Galilee, job placement, programs for students.”20242 Minister of Immigration and Absorption Ofir Sofer attended the Besheva group’s annual Jerusalem conference held in Jerusalem on March 26th. (Credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
The head of the Jewish Agency, Major General Doron Almog, also said: “In these difficult days, solidarity and love for Israel are the main driving forces for British Jewish immigrants to express their concern and pride for Israel.” Ta. Like the UK, other countries around the world are also seeing an increase in the number of immigration checks. We must welcome new immigrants with open arms, help them integrate into Israel and successfully adapt to these difficult times. ”
Interest in immigration increases after October 7th
In attendance were the parents of the late Sergeant Nathaniel Young, who immigrated to Israel as a lone soldier in the Israel Defense Forces and fell at the beginning of the current war. Shontel and Nikki, parents who immigrated to Israel after the death of their son, spoke to the Jewish community in Britan to discuss their decision to move.
Since the start of 2024, the number of new immigrants to Israel from the UK has increased by 40% since Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli operation in Gaza.
The new arrivals from the UK are diverse, including young families with children, young people looking to join the Israel Defense Forces, and older people. As a result, demand for aliyah has increased and a record number of aliyah files have been opened since the outbreak of the war, indicating a growing interest in immigration.
