2022 sees highest number of new immigrants to Israel in over 20 years
The Jewish Agency reported that 2022 was a record year for immigration to Israel, with more than 70,000 new immigrants from 95 different countries.
The number is a dramatic increase from the previous year, when approximately 28,600 immigrated to Israel, and represents the largest number of new immigrants in the last 23 years, according to the agency, which is responsible for facilitating and managing immigration applications.
Most of this year’s immigrants came from two countries – Russia, with 37,364 immigrants, and Ukraine, with 14,680 – a consequence of Russia’s war on Ukraine, which has been ongoing since March. This is a substantial increase in immigration from both countries compared to in the previous year.
Some 28% of immigrants from Russia and Ukraine are considered to be of Jewish a descent, according to rabbinic law. Data from the Jewish Agency reveals that around 27% of these immigrants are professionals, between 18 and 35 years old, whose presence in Israel would benefit the Israeli economy and society at large if they were permitted to integrate into the nation.
About 24% of the immigrants are children and teenagers, who often are able to learn a new language and adapt more easily to a new society than their parents can.
Some 22% are between 36 and 50 years old, 14% are between 51 and 64, and 13% are 65 or older.
According to the Jewish Agency, immigration from all countries has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The Jewish Agency announced that it is preparing to launch a new model of “open absorption centers,” where young immigrants would live together in the same apartment buildings and receive community support services.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
