More than 1,100 participants gathered on Sunday at London’s StoneX Stadium for the largest Aliyah fair held in the UK, organized by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the World Zionist Organization, and the Jewish Agency for Israel. The event offered informational booths, workshops, private consultations with government and municipal officials, and concluded with a performance by Israeli musician Idan Raichel.
Significant Increase in British Immigration to Israel
During the event, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer shared new data showing a clear upward trend in immigration to Israel from the UK, as 404 individuals made Aliyah from Britain in 2023, while in 2024, that number jumped to 660. In the first five months of 2025 alone, 250 new immigrants have already arrived—representing a 12% increase compared to the same period last year.
Sofer praised the growing enthusiasm, especially among young British Jews, many of whom he said are choosing to move to Israel as an expression of support amid wartime challenges. “The Aliyah statistics speak for themselves,” said Sofer. “In the past two years we’ve seen a clear rise in interest from British Jewry, and the surge in Aliyah files this past year—up nearly 40%—has surprised even us.”
Support System in Place for New Immigrants
The World Zionist Organization and Jewish Agency are working to ease the transition for olim (new immigrants), offering Hebrew language courses before arrival, online professional training, housing assistance, and streamlined licensing for professions.
Leadership Responds to Rising Antisemitism
Minister Yoav Ben-Tzur, who also attended the fair, emphasized the importance of Aliyah in the face of growing global antisemitism: “In response to rising Jew-hatred worldwide, we are working to strengthen the Zionist enterprise and ensure jobs and opportunities for all who choose to make Aliyah.”
Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organization, called the event a testament to the “strong Zionist spirit” within diaspora communities.
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, added: “Aliyah is the beating heart of Zionism and the engine of growth for the State of Israel. We will continue working wherever a Jewish heart beats to ensure every immigrant receives a meaningful journey home.”
